SOUTH AYRSHIRE residents have been encouraged to take part in a tasty challenge for this year’s Deaf Awareness Week.

Action on Hearing Loss Scotland are looking for people to participate in the unique #DontBeADonut task which involves eating a donut without licking their lips.

Participants have been urged to get film their family and friends as they take on the challenge and post videos on social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

In similar fashion to the hugely popular ice bucket challenge a few years ago, the charity is hoping to start a new trend.

The tasty challenge comes with a forfeit of a suggested donation of £3 to Action on Hearing Loss Scotland and nominating others to give it a go.

Action on Hearing Loss Scotland Director, Teri Devine, said: “Our Deaf Awareness Week message for people is ‘don’t be a donut, be deaf aware!’

“Our deaf awareness top tips are very easy to do and can make a huge difference in enabling people who are Deaf or have hearing loss to follow and participate in everyday conversations.

“We’d be delighted if everyone enjoys our sweet treat #DontBeADonut challenge to raise funds for our services providing essential support to help people who are Deaf or have hearing loss to live the life they choose.”

Deaf Awareness week will run from May 6-12, the charity wants everyone take on board top tips which enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing to fully participate in conversations.

Their advice: · Before you start speaking with someone who is deaf, get their attention first by waving or tapping them on the arm.

· Find a suitable place to talk, away from loud noise or distractions.

· Ask the deaf person if they lipread and, if they do, don't exaggerate your lip movements or cover your mouth and have the conversation in a well-lit area.

· Don't shout as it can be uncomfortable for hearing aid users and look aggressive.

· Speak clearly and check the person you are speaking to is following the conversation. If they don't understand, try saying it in a different way.

· If you're using communication support, such as a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, always remember to talk directly to the person who is deaf.