LIP reading can bring a new meaning to life to many people who lose their hearing.

In this country, there are at least 8.3 million people with partial or total hearing impairment.

Being able to lip read can improve every aspect of a person's life, including family, friends and work.

But in Herefordshire, as in many areas of the UK, there is a shortage of lip reading teachers and new recruits are needed.

The Department of Psychology and Speech Pathology at Manchester Metropolitan University is looking for them.

It is keen to hear from mature people who have a warm, caring and professional approach, speak clearly, are prepared to learn about the practical and psychological problems of hearing impaired people and can communicate with them, and who are willing to consider lip reading.

Students who are eligible will receive some financial support.

The place to call is The Lipreading Teachers' Course, Manchester Metropolitan University, Elizabeth Gaskell Campus, Hathersage Road, Manchester, M13 0JA.