A PIONEERING report into deaf people's access to education and employment in Warrington has found cases of social exclusion and bullying.

The research, conducted by a deaf researcher at the University of Central Lancashire, found that an overall lack of deaf awareness affected the lives of deaf people.

The aim of the work, carried out by Jennifer Dodds, was to establish the extent to which deaf people are excluded or are underachieving in post-16 education and employment.

The report's findings suggest that deaf people were discouraged from entry on to courses and jobs or denied the opportunity of promotion. Cases of workplace bullying and harassment were also found.

The report, done in collaboration with Deafness Support Network and the Cheshire Learning Skills Council, states: "Britain has woken up to the implications of institutionalised racism and also needs to reflect upon the potential for institutionalised audism."

Martin Colville, director of DSN, and Helen Reed, assistant director, said in a joint statement: "This is a brilliant example of a local LSC funding research of major national importance.

"We believe that it will dramatically affect the lives of deaf people in education and employment."

Meanwhile, work on the Warrington Deaf Centre continues and campaigners would like to thank fundraisers at St Oswald's Church in Padgate for donating £40 to the building fund.

The cash was raised at a Monday afternoon dance.

Anybody who has any fundraising ideas is asked to call the Warrington Deaf Centre on 634640, or contact Guardian reporter Paul Keaveny on 434119.