MID-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff is pushing for a better deal for deaf people in the country through a Government-sponsored scheme.

He is urging the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust to apply to take part in trials of digital hearing aids, which have so far been running in 20 areas of the UK with some success.

A further 30 sites have already been identified for the second wave of trials.

"I want the South Worcestershire trust to put in a bid," said Mr Luff.

"This should be a good news story for the Government and for the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) who have worked so hard to reduce the costs of these hearing aids from many hundreds of pounds to only around £70 plus VAT.

"The Government took a lot of persuading but, to be fair, they are delivering.

"They have negotiated with two suppliers and made it possible for the lives of many hard of hearing people to be transformed - but not in South Worcestershire, at least not yet.

"I know special training is needed for those who will assess patients for these new aids, and I know money is always in short supply but I really think it is time we got moving locally."