A FORMER Middlewich High School pupil has been chosen to sit on a prestigious panel to represent deaf youngsters across the UK.

Nick Ward, who has a profound hearing loss, will play a key role in representing deaf young people across the UK after joining the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) Youth Advisory Board.

NDCS is the national charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and young people.

Nick, 18, will have his say on a range of topics and issues that affect young deaf people up and down the country who are in a similar position to himself.

The South Cheshire College student took part in an intense application process for the role and was interviewed at the Manchester Deaf Centre before being selected.

Nick, of Crewe, said: “I’m looking forward to being on the board, putting forward my views and helping lots of young deaf people across the country.

“I feel really pleased to have been chosen because helping young deaf people is something which I’m very passionate about.

“There was a lot of competition to be on the board so it’s great to have this opportunity.”

In his new role, Nick will attend regular meetings and residentials in different locations and act as a national advocate for the NDCS.

Nick will work with young people who have varying levels of hearing loss, from minor hearing loss to profound hearing loss.

The 18-year-old, who is in his first year of a BTEC Engineering programme, receives support with his hearing impairment from South Cheshire College’s Learner Services team.

Alison Howells, inclusive learning advisor – sensory at South Cheshire College, is delighted that Nick has been chosen for the board.

Alison said: “Nick is an excellent student who is doing well on his engineering programme.

“He was encouraged to apply for this position and he has done exceptionally well to be chosen to represent young deaf people across the country.

“This is the first time a South Cheshire College student has been selected so we are proud of his achievement.”