NEW dance classes for deaf and hard-of-hearing people have been launched by Cumbria Deaf Association. 

The 90-minute sessions, which began on Monday, November 4 in Workington, will take place every week at 2 pm and aim to provide accessible dancing classes to deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

The sessions will be run by dancing teacher Janet Bosson, who has a history of hearing loss, and who has raised hundreds of pounds for Cumbria Deaf Association in the past.

In addition, all the money raised by the dance classes will also be donated to the organisation which 'helps deaf people and their families living in Cumbria to achieve educational, physical, social, and spiritual well-being.'

After the launch of the new dance classes, Cumbria Deaf Association's West Cumbria community engagement coordinator expressed her delight and praised Janet for her continued support for the local organisation. 

She said: "A lot of people don’t have accessibility due to our language barriers so having this opportunity is really wonderful.

"It’s Jan's first time delivering a bespoke course for the deaf and hard of hearing people, we hope with the success of the course we will be able to go to Blackpool Tower ballroom and have a dancing night there as well.

"So far Jan has raised an amazing amount for us – over £1,000, through her love of walking outdoors and battling against tinnitus.

"She also raised £324 alone through selling cakes and a coffee morning at her home, two months ago.

"She’s an amazing lady and I think she deserves recognition for her efforts. She is one of our volunteers as well."