IT was smiles all round when one of Bury’s historic charities celebrated a bold new makeover.

More than 100 people helped celebrate the launch of Communic8te Bury with staff and volunteers on Wednesday during Deaf Awareness Week.

The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Sharon Briggs unveiled the charity’s new sign and fresh name and logo.

Communic8te Bury has been formed by the merging of Bury Deaf Children’s Society and Bury Society for Deaf and Hearing Impaired People.

Robert Quayle, centre manager, said: “We hope our services will not only enrich the lives of members but allow greater integration between the deaf and hearing impaired communities and the community as a whole.

“We decided we needed to move with the times and change our name to reflect a less institutionalised and more user-led organisation that supported the needs of the deaf and those with a hearing loss.

“One in six of the population will lose their hearing and it is our role to support them as well as those who are born deaf or with a hearing loss.” Formed in 1932 with £100, Bury Deaf Society moved to its current premises in Tenterden Street in 1948.

The society provides social and educational opportunities including British Sign Language classes, sing and sign sessions, a hearing aid user group, crafts and hobbies, children’s drama classes, befriending services, a free battery exchange and drop-in centre.

For more information: go to communic8tebury.org.uk, e-mail communic8tebury@ gmail.com or call 0161 763 4882.