Vicki signs on with new service

Vicki, 37, started signing for the deaf and hard of hearing as a hobby, and is now offering the service free of charge at King and Chasemore's Steyning High Street branch.

Vicki told the Herald she hoped to ease some of the pressure people with hearing impairments might feel when buying a house or looking at their finances.

She said: "It is scary enough when you can use the same language as the person you are talking to, let alone when there is that barrier there."

Vicki added deaf people often had to employ an interpreter themselves when dealing with similar financial matters, or face the prospect of an extremely difficult interview '“ or simply not bother.

She said: "A lot of people don't have the confidence to do something like getting themselves a better home. This is about deaf awareness.

"It is being able to cater for people and react to what they need. If we can help save people a huge amount of money, then great." Vicki's love of signing led her to work voluntarily with a pantomime group, in Gatwick, where she signs for audiences.

She said: "It is nice to combine something that I love doing with something I do every day.

"It is something I do because I love it, but if I can open it up to clients who have important decisions to make, then it is all good practice.

"I can practise my hobby while I am at work '“ how good is that?"

Vicki is qualified to British Sign Language level two and has completed a pre-level three course, as well as having done plenty of social signing.

She said: "If people want the service, then I would love to help them through important parts of their lives, which is why you do this job in the first place."

Anyone wanting to contact Vicki should call 01903 815806, send a fax to 01903 879222, or email [email protected]

She can also be contacted via a text message sent to her company mobile, 07895 028808.