Pupils, teachers and even the caretakers learnt sign language when a school held an event to celebrate Deaf Awareness Week.

St Albans Girls School (STAGS) welcomed retired physics teacher Liz Arendt, chairman of the Hertfordshire division of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Mrs Arendt, who became progressively hard of hearing from the age of eight after contracting scarlet fever, spoke about living with her 11-year-old assistance dog, Maple.

The students were very impressed with Maple's ability to respond by gently tapping Mrs Arendt with her paw each time she heard the sound of the doorbell or telephone.

Year 8 pupil Katie Tse said: "It was interesting, I really enjoyed finding out more about the things hearing dogs can do and the difference they can make to a deaf person’s life."

School spokesman Debbie Johnson-Smith said: "STAGS did it in style because we have a deaf student called Lucy Jordan-Caws in Year 8.

"Her highly motivated interpreter Verity Butcher was the main driver of all the activities and fund raising.

"It was the first time we celebrated this week, but it was fun, we all learnt to sign, everyone: teachers, support staff and even the caretakers.

"We will make it an annual event after the success of this week.

Fundraising activities continued throughout the week with competitions and a cake sale. STAGS raised more than £200 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.