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  1. ITV Report

Meet the deaf choir giving people a voice through sign language

The choir performs for the public regularly

A choir based in Cwmbran is giving young deaf people an opportunity to practice their love of music by performing through sign language.

Cwmbran Deaf Choir convey their songs through British Sign Language (BSL). Their members rehearse once a week and allows those who are hard of hearing to showcase their passion for signing and songs.

The choir, which originally formed in 2011, auditioned for Britain's Got Talent twice and got through the first two rounds.

They have also performed at the Royal Albert Hall and the Principality Stadium.

The choir has performed at the Principality Stadium Credit: Louise Chris Heirene

To see them in a classroom situation, they may appear nervous, withdrawn.

To then see them performing, you would never think any of them have any confidence issues. They are absolutely wonderful.

– Mary Cole, Cwmbran High School

They recently sang in Cardiff's John Lewis store for shoppers.

Joyce, who is also deaf, said she

Among the audience was Joyce - who is deaf.

"I really enjoyed it - it was wonderful. They were very good. They really worked hard."

According to Action on Hearing Loss Cymru estimated 4% of the working-age population - 84,000 people - wear hearing aids or are deaf in Wales.

The organisation says research shows hearing loss can double the risk of developing depression and increases the risk of anxiety and other mental health issues. The choir members do not only sing together, but they are a source of support and have formed friendships with one another.

The choir's recent performance was filmed by ITV Cymru Wales apprentice Safyan Iqbal - who is profoundly deaf.

ITV Cymru Wales apprentice Safyan Iqbal, who is profoundly deaf, filmed the choir performing in Cardiff

Seeing a deaf role model like Safyan is great for other deaf people and that motivates us that there is no barrier for deaf people - and that they can become anything they want.

– Aqsa Jamshad, Choir member
  • What is British Sign Language?

According to the organisation British Sign, BSL is the preferred language of around 145,000 people in the UK.

It is a visual means of communication using gestures, facial expression and body language.

It was recognised by the UK government as an official minority language in 2003.