A TRAILBLAZING Burnley schoolboy was so desperate to learn sign language that he enrolled on an adult course.

And Anthony Brooks, 13, has now successfully completed two sign language qualifications after attending evening classes.

The Towneley High School pupil had to get special permission to join the classes at the City Learning Centre, based at the school, with his mum Joan, 39, and her boyfriend Trevor Hartley, who has a hearing problem.

Anthony said Trevor wears a hearing aid at the moment, but his hearing could deteriorate in the future, which is why they decided to learn how to sign.

Anthony, of Hornby Street, Burnley, who has also has a brother James, 15, said he did not find it daunting going into a class full of adults and enjoyed learning with his mum and Trevor because they could practise at home.

He said: "It was like learning a completely different language. We are all about the same standard and have been helping each other out."

Anthony, who also enjoys fishing and riding motorbikes, has now been asked by his sign language tutor to help teach other young people sign language at a summer school.

He was presented with certificates for completing two British Sign Language Course in front of the school during assembly earlier this week.

Anthony said: "All my friends have been asking me how to spell their names and what different words were in sign language."

Chris Puckett, business networking director at the centre, Towneley High School's headteacher Sally Cryer and Linda Hacking from the Lancashire Adult and Continuing Education service all had to write to the Learning and Skills Council to get special permission for Anthony to go on the course.

Chris said: "We believe he is the first young person allowed to do this. He's been a real trailblazer.

"He really wanted to do it and his commitment to learning sign language meant he was given permission."