A TODDLER facing a lifetime of deafness is a step closer to communicating with the outside world - thanks to her mother's devotion.

At the time when most children are beginning to use their first words, Ellie McAnish is about to learn British Sign Language.

Ellie, of Belthorn Road, Belthorn, will be two on October 10 and has been deaf from birth. If she doesn't get a cochlea implant before she is four, she will be deaf for the rest of her life.

Her parents Sara, 37, and Billy, 43, were hoping she would have the operation in July. But they were devastated when Primary Care Trust bosses told them they only had enough cash for five operations in the current financial year - and she was sixth on the list.

A special panel is now trying to find the extra cash.

Sara has attended her first British Sign Language lessons at Blackburn College so she can teach Ellie and Billy how to sign.

Sara said: "I want Ellie to learn BSL as it is widely used in the UK, and because learning it stimulates the language acquisition part of the brain which will help Ellie learn to talk after she has a cochlear implant.

"It will help her communicate with us now, and will provide another form of communication when the implant is out."

Even though the implant is surgically inserted into the ear, part of it is worn on the outside of the ear and has to be removed when wearers are on the beach, swimming, or where there could be high levels of static electricity. Sara added: "Ellie can already do signs for birds, cars, aeroplanes, rain, food, and drinks.

"Now, after the class I am going to teach her animals. She makes lots of noise and babbles on to herself which is reassuring as she is trying to talk - some deaf children never make a sound."

The family has invited all the residents of Belthorn and Guide to watch a video which explains what cochlear implants are on Monday, September 20 at 8.30pm. And an appeal has been launched to pay for a private operation if NHS funds cannot be found.

Contact treasurer Florence Hughes on 01254 670746, or send donations to The Ellie McAnish Appeal, Belthorn Post Office, Holden Street, Belthorn, BB1 2NU.