School children and businesses took part in a charity day to help deaf children have a sound future.

They wore their brightest clothes for Loud Shirt Day on Friday, June 17 in aid of Auditory Verbal UK, a charity which aims to help deaf children listen and talk as well as their hearing peers.

St Monica’s Catholic Primary School near Arnos Grove, Enfield hairdresser James Whittaker, and Lavender Hill café Zippola were among those taking part.

Auditory Verbal UK chief executive Anita Grover said: “Many deaf children are underachieving at school, are at higher risk of isolation, bullying and social exclusion, and have lower employment prospects. But this shouldn’t be the case.

“With the right support in the early years, deaf children in Enfield and nationwide can have the same opportunities in life as hearing children. There really shouldn’t be any barriers to deaf children realising their full potential.

“We are delighted that people in Enfield have so enthusiastically joined our Loud Shirt Day.“