A DEAF teenager has thanked people who helped finance a trip of a lifetime to Canada he could otherwise have only dreamed of.

Paul Bannister, of Alexandra Road, Middlewich, visited French-speaking Canada last month with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers in a bid to gain lip-reading experience from people with unusual accents and to improve his French.

He issued a plea to the people of Winsford and Middlewich for donations to fund the journey and is now showing his gratitude to those who responded.

Paul, who is aged 18, said: "The trip introduced me to new situations and experiences increasing my vocal confidence which had been severely affected by my rapid deteriorating hearing loss over the past two years.

"I also had opportunities to practice my oral French.

"I would particularly like to thank St Nicholas RC High School, RHM, Mary Hare Grammar School for the Deaf and the Youth Services Cheshire Deaf Society, for their moral and financial support and The Princes Trust which helped which special clothing, equipment and travel costs within Britain.

"The total cost of the adventure was £1,070 and I couldn't have finally made the trip if it wasn't for my family coming together to loan me the £300 I was short.

"It was a trip of a lifetime that I will never forget, and will benefit from independence gained for years to come."

Anyone who wants to make a donation to redress Paul's outstanding balance can still contact him on 01606 832641.

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