A VOLUNTEER has been praised for setting an example after learning sign language so she can take deaf people on guided tours through Sunnyhurst Woods.

Mavis Smith, of Baron Street, Darwen, has taken tours for seven years, becoming an expert on every aspect of the woods.

But gradually she began to feel that deaf people were being overlooked and missing out on the woods.

So she enrolled on a three-year British Sign Language Course at Darwen College in 1999 on a mission to help.

And now she feels able to communicate efficiently and share her knowledge with deaf people, who would previously had to arrange for a signer to be present to translate the guide's words.

Her actions have received praise from the Deaf Children's Society. A spokesperson said she had not heard of this happening anywhere else, and that her actions would help readdress the balance as many public services did not have sufficient provisions for the deaf.

"I learned sign language because I wanted to get all the deaf people out in the woods and enjoy it normally," said Mavis. "Learning sign language is similar to bird watching because you see a picture and remember it. It is based on having a good memory.

"I enjoy working with people who have problems, it's a challenge.

"I have gone into the woods since I was a child, and, like most people, I love it. I still go down there every day and I know all the areas inside out." Molly Baack, a spokesperson for the Deaf Children's Society, said: "It's really good when people make the effort to learn sign language. It's good to know people are making the effort to help deaf people with activities that are easily accessible to normal people.

"What she is doing is relatively unusual, I haven't heard of any others doing it. Most public services don't have any inclusion for deaf or other disabled people. It's fantastic that she is making the effort."

The tours take between one and two hours. Mavis's speciality is the birds that have made the woods their home. This aspect of the woods is the main topic in her talks, although she knows all the plants' names and is well versed in the area's history.

Mavis wants any groups or societies interested to write to her as soon as possible so she can book the times with Sunnyhurst Woods. Her address is 47 Baron Street, Darwen, BB3 1NP.