GOOD Morning Granada presenter Lise McNally travelled to Chester to present some very special awards recently.

The news reporter and presenter took time out from her busy day job reporting on the latest happenings in the North West, to help host part of the DSN (Deafness Support Network) Youth Vibe Awards 2019 - held at Chester Deaf Club, on South View Road.

DSN’s Youth Vibe provides a service for young people aged eight to 19 linked to deafness. Members could be deaf, hearing impaired, friends, siblings or children of deaf adults.

They offer inclusive activities in an environment where all communication needs are met and have nearly 100 members across the whole of Cheshire and North Wales.

Following presentations to Youth Vibe members who had completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards - which included them taking to the streets to teach 50 people how to sign their names in one night using British Sign Language - and a signed performance to a Lion King medley by the group, Lise took to the stage.

She gave out three awards to members who had shown ‘outstanding’ improvement over the last year and had shown clear leadership and support to other members too.

Among the special prize winners were also staff member Sally Wilkinson who has worked tirelessly to engage and develop young deaf people over the past seven years at DSN in her role as a youth support worker.

Hannah Nicoll, youth service manager at DSN, said: “Evenings like the Youth Vibe Awards really are very special indeed.

"Not only is it a great time to reflect on the hard work by the young people, the staff, the parents and carers and volunteers, but it marks how far we have come in the journey.

“Just a few years ago, we had limited resources and were struggling with member numbers. After some great support from DSN and from outside organisations, in 2019 we have a growing Young leaders programme, an exciting activity timetable and a keen focus on building deaf friendly communities through our Deaf Awareness Workshops.

"It’s truly now thriving and we are thrilled to see the progress. We can’t thank Lise enough for making the night that extra special with her presence too.”

Youth Vibe is nominated for The Children and Young People’s Charity Award which will be drawn this month.

For more information on Youth Vibe and how to get involved as a volunteer or as a member, visit facebook.co.uk/youthvibe.