THE first deaf learner event in Worcester aimed at getting deaf or hard of hearing students into university has been hailed as a success.

Held at the University of Worcester on Thursday, January 30, in partnership with the Deaf Education Advocacy Fellowship (D.E.A.F.), Esmail Patel, the charity's CEO who is profoundly deaf, gave a talk and offered advice to parents, carers and students themselves on what help they could get if they decided to carry on studying.

Tania Graham, from the charity, said Mr Patel demonstrated his motivation and encouragement reflected in education and for the deaf community.

She said: "The event was a huge success and students, parents and tutors had a valuable insight into the support available."

Potential students found out about disability support, student life, finance, facilities at the university and had a tour of the campus supported by deaf and hard of hearing role models presenting their experiences at university.

This event was the first of its kind at Worcester and the university were said to be keen to encourage more deaf and hard of hearing students to study with them in future years.