THE CO-ORDINATOR and founder of a group providing support for deafened people in County Durham has won a national award for her efforts.

Jane Atkinson, of the Peterlee-based charity Durham Deafened Support, was given the Heather Jackson Award in London - named after the late chairman of the National Association of Deaf People (NADPA).

The award is collectively sponsored by Link, NADPA and Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP).

It is the first time that all of the organisations nominated the same person to receive the prestigious award, which was presented by Mrs Jackson’s husband David Jackson.

Mrs Atkinson said: "To receive this prestigious award means so much to me as Heather was the person who helped me move on from my deafness.

"She also inspired me to make things better not just for myself but for other people with acquired hearing loss."

Mrs Atkinson began the DDS around the kitchen table of her house in Horden, east Durham, before moving into the lounge, which became the charity's first office.

Since then, the charity has gone from strength to strength, providing one-to-one advice, support and counselling, with a membership of 150 people. It now operates from Lee House, Peterlee.

Seven support groups provide 154 people with lipreading and communication skills overseen by four qualified and registered teachers.

Its family support visits have benefited 180 clients, while a further 300 attend outreach and Lee House dropins.

For more information contact 0191-518 3358 Email: admin@ddsupport.org.uk.