A 30-year-old deaf woman who represented Great Britain in the Deaflympics has been nominated for a national award.

Damaris Cooke, of Ilford, said she was extremely pleased to be selected as one of 10 regional finalists of the Specsavers Sound Barrier Star Awards.

Damaris said: “I am absolutely delighted to have won this award and hopefully it will help to highlight the fact that people who are deaf are still able compete in sports at both amateur and professional levels.”

She was born into a deaf family and said she is passionate about raising awareness of those with hearing difficulties.

“I have never let my deafness prevent me from following my dreams and winning this award is a great recognition of my achievements,” she added.

Damaris founded the GB deaf football team aged 16 and has played around the world.