A TEENAGER has urged Stroud MP Neil Carmichael to help improve support for deaf children.

Ellie Eagles, 14, who has two cochlear implants that allow her to hear, has to travel an hour and a half each way to school every day to access the support she needs.

She is worried that proposed changes to funding will mean deaf children like her find it harder to get the support they need.

Ellie, from Leicestershire, met with Mr Carmichael at the Conservative Party Conference on Tuesday to discuss the issue.

She said: "I’m really worried about how proposed changes to funding could impact the support deaf children and young people like me receive.

"It was great to speak to Neil as he is deaf too so he understands and has the power to make a difference."

Mr Carmichael, who is completely deaf in his left ear, said: "Every child deserves the best in life, and a good education is a huge part of that.

As chairman of the education committee, I was very concerned to hear of the attainment gap between deaf and hearing children.

"We should be doing all we can to ensure deaf children get the right support at school, so that they can fulfil their potential."