YOUNG deaf people have benefited by £33,000 thanks to a charity launched in Richmond 11 years ago.

The Robert Dent Memorial Fund for Deaf Children was founded by Ella Devlin, a town councillor who was preparing to be installed as mayor when she heard of the sudden death of a family friend in May 1991.

Mr Dent, from Wensleydale, who excelled academically and in his career despite being profoundly deaf, died of a brain tumour.

Mrs Devlin, of Whitefields Drive, Richmond, had known the family for many years and had been involved in voluntary work with deaf agencies in the area.

She was a founder member of the Richmond and Catterick branch of the National Deaf Children's Society in 1974 and the Dent family was among the first members.

Mrs Devlin set up the fund in his memory, designated it her mayoral charity and raised £20,000 during her year of office.

"Now, 11 years on, with the further help of two legacies, continued support from the Stanwick group of churches and other groups and individuals, we have been able to help many deaf young people, by way of bursary awards, to develop their potential and have a degree if independence," said Mrs Devlin, who remains a trustee.

Bursaries have included help with a photography career, funding for Operation Raleigh places, enabling a scout to attend a jamboree in Thailand, securing a place on a round-the-world yacht race crew and helping provide mobile testing equipment for hearing aids.

"The Robert Dent memorial fund is still alive and active, as is the memory of a wonderfully brave young man," said Mrs Devlin.

Information about the fund is available from Mrs Devlin on (01748) 823543.