A group of deaf children from Bradford are forging a pioneering link with other deaf youngsters in Palestine.

The ten-strong group from the Thornbury-based Association of Bradford Deaf Asians are flying out to Palestine next month with the aid of a £2,030 grant from the British Council.

They will be taking donated hearing aids for youngsters at a deaf children's centre - the aids have come from the charity Islamic Aid in Carlisle Road.

But the youngsters are now appealing for financial help to cover extras during their ten-day trip because the British Council money only covers travel.

Nafees Nazir, of the Bradford association, said: "The grant we have been given covers air tickets and travel but we don't have that much money to get around in Palestine, and we don't want to incur too much cost for our hosts.

"This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the young people from Bradford and very educational. We hope to be able to visit major tourist sites, including Jerusalem, as well as making links with two young people's deaf centres."

Group members are aged between 12 and 22 and look forward to welcoming a party from Palestine to Bradford next year.

"The charity Islamic Relief identified a centre for deaf young people that required some refurbishment and new equipment," said Mr Nazir.

"They are buying hearing aids for all the young people in that particular centre and we are taking them out there.''

The two sets of youngsters had each learned different versions of sign language, but would soon be able to understand each other, said Mr Nazir.

"I think they will adjust and soon they will be translating for me!"

The party leaves Bradford on June 25. Anyone who can help them with sponsorship is asked to contact the association on (01274) 777890.

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