ALL the 'signs' were positive in a day of fundraising at Bolton's Market Place.

Saturday saw 22 members of Bolton Deaf Society take centre stage as they hosted a charity signathon in the shopping centre.

One nimble-fingered group spent six hours signing to each other using British Sign Language.

"It was just general chit-chat so I'm surprised we didn't run out of things to sign," laughed Jordan Goucher, the society's fundraising officer.

"Fortunately, we had a number of interested members of the public coming over to find out more about it, which provided a welcome break."

Another group signed along to pop songs including Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody - tricky to sing, let alone sign - and a string of popular hits by Abba, including Mama Mia and Dancing Queen.

The event raised valuable funds through public donations, totalling £280. And, as well as increasing awareness of deafness in the local community, it allowed shopers the opportunity to learn some sign language.

The money will be used towards running costs and services provided by the society.

Mr Goucher said: “It was amazing to see the support for our Signathon.

"Deafness affects one in six of us. However, it is invisible and often goes unnoticed.

"The awareness and money raised is going to make such a difference; a massive thank you to everyone involved.”

Market Place manager Nikki Wilson-Cook, said: “We’re proud to have been able to support this incredible local charity with their cause and help raise awareness of this invisible disability that affects so many people.”

Bolton Deaf Society was founded almost 150 years ago.

It is non-profit charity supporting the deaf and hard of hearing people in the community.

For the past 40 years it has been based in Bark Street. As well as support and advice, it provides weekly social events.

A lesser-known fact of the society is that it uses a chapel within its building to hold signed service on the first Tuesday of each month. As the chapel is part of the Diocese of Manchester, it can can accommodate private services such as christenings or funerals.

Bolton Deaf Society is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

To find out more about the services and facilities it provides, or how you can help support it, please visit the website at: www.boltondeafsociety.co.uk or telephone 01204 521219

The society's email address is: info@boltondeafsociety.co.uk