A CREWE college is offering lip reading sessions next month to help people with hearing problems.

South Cheshire College is introducing the classes to improve conversation amongst sufferers and friends and family.

Sue Robinson, who is leading the sessions, said: "Lip reading is an essential skill and one which there is a need for.

"Many people who are hard-of-hearing feel excluded or frustrated in conversations but these classes aim to overcome these issues."

The courses, which also take place at Sandbach High School, have already proved a success with students during a 30-week programme last year.

Derrick Haig, aged 54, of Crewe, is virtually deaf in one ear and hard of hearing in the other, but described the sessions as a huge help.

He said: "The course has given me so much more confidence because when you're deaf you tend to find yourself drifting into the background."