A VOW of silence may not seem like the best idea for a busy travel agent, even one who is trained in the art of sign language.

But that was the money raising challenge set by two members of staff at Co-operative Travel in Acomb. Kerry Trapps spent the whole day communicating in sign language while her colleague Emma Linfoot translated for their customers.

The pair, who are both qualified signers, took up the challenge, not only to raise £100 for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, but also to highlight Deaf Awareness Week.

Store manager, Julie Page said: “The customers were really interested and though it was good that we had that service in our shop.”