A deaf school has strengthened its links with children in Ethiopia.

Nicholas Ansell, a former student and current staff member at Hamilton Lodge School in Brighton, visited Africa.

During his trip he went to two schools, Nkemete Deaf School, which Hamilton Lodge has been linked with for more than 15 years and has raised over £3,000 for, and Viktory Deaf School.

Mr Ansell took gifts that were donated by Hamilton Lodge students and staff.

He said: “It really hit me how happy the children were and how keen they were to come to school and learn.”

Hamilton Lodge headteacher Graham Sheppard said: “Every Christmas we collect useful items for the Ethiopian deaf students and raise money at our Christmas play.

“It was lovely that this year Nicholas was able to deliver the gifts personally.”