The prime time TV appearance on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing of Rose Ayling-Ellis, has led to a surge in interest in British Sign Language (BSL) courses, for a North Wales and Cheshire charity.

Leaders of the charity DSN, which runs courses across the region, say interest has grown in BSL since the 26-year-old became the first deaf contestant on the hit BBC dancing show.

Lisa Birtles, who is deaf and the daughter of deaf parents, runs the courses on behalf of DSN, said new courses are now being created to deal with the demand.

Lisa, who has been teaching Sign Language for 30 years, said: "What Rose has done for the deaf community is astounding.

"Not only is she fabulous on the dance floor every Saturday night, but she has opened up the conversation around being deaf or having a hearing loss and using BSL as a language."

Rose uses sign language when she's on the show and has a translator to interpret what others are saying.

Her dance partner Giovanni Pernice has also pledged to learn the language, hand gestures and movements, body language and facial expressions, instead of spoken words.

Since her appearance in October where she used the language as part of her dance, there has been a reported 488% spike in Google searches for sign language courses and that has certainly been felt at DSN, said Lisa, who's first language is BSL.

Lisa, whose children are hearing, but sign fluently, added: "Our charity celebrates 45 years this year and what a better time to have Rose on such a prolific show, raising awareness for BSL and the deaf community.

"We would encourage anyone who is interested in learning this language to get in touch with us."

DSN runs courses from Level 1 to Level 6 diploma Interpreting Studies at various locations.

To register your interest and to make any enquiries contact Lisa Birtles - lbirtles@dsnonline.co.uk