I'D like to tell you about Deaf Awareness Week 2008 (May 5-11).

During the week, RNID, the national charity for deaf and hard of hearing people, is asking us all to take just one minute to imagine a world without sound.

Hearing is something we often take for granted, yet how would it feel not being able to clearly hear your favourite sounds anymore? Laughter is the sound I would miss the most.

Please visit worldwithoutsound.org or call RNID's information line on 0808 808 0123 (telephone), 0808 808 9000 (textphone) to find out more.

In the meantime if you think that you, or someone you know, might have some hearing loss, I'd urge you to take RNID's simple five minute telephone hearing check on 0845 600 5555.

BARBARA WINDSOR, on behalf of RNID.