A WIRRAL student who tirelessly campaigns on issues affecting young deaf people has won a prestigious national award.

Bethany Eason, from Bebington High Sports College, is one of five people who will receive her young citizen award at the Rotary Club's national conference in Birmingham on Saturday.

The awards celebrate the achievements and commitment of inspiring young people throughout Britain and Ireland.

The 16-year-old is profoundly deaf with a cochlear implant and is an active member of the National Deaf Children’s Society, sitting on its youth advisory board.

Bethany's aim is to spread the word not only on difficulties face at home, school and in the community.

She has also been prominent in a campaign drawing attention to unfairness of changes in the Disability Living Allowance.

For her work, she was nominated for the award by headteacher Brian Jordan. She told the Globe: "I just can't believe it. It's fantastic that Mr Jordan has nominated me and I'm very proud to be getting this award.

"I'm very passionate about issues affecting deaf young people. There are 45,000 deaf people in this country and their issues need to be addressed."

Outside her campaigning and studies, Bethany also finds time for ballet, an interest she has had since the age of three. She is also a first-aider with St John Ambulance.

She continued: "There are barriers that young people like me face, but they can be broken down."

Headteacher Brian Jordan added: "I'm incredibly proud that we have got a young lady who has overcome her own additional needs to lead a fulfilling life."

Bethany's nomination was one of three submitted by Bebington Rotary Club for the national award. She will receive a trophy and £500 for her nominated cause.

Mike Ashton, chair of youth activities for the club, said: "Beth was one of three that we nominated. The other two were great but Beth was the best.

"The fact that there were 68 entrants, as opposed to 6,000, shows just how strong the competition was."