BORO stars Rhys Williams and Seb Hines took part in sign language and lip reading lessons when they attended a course with national social care charity Community Integrated Care (CIC).

CIC booked the Riverside Stadium to provide specialist communications training for its North East care staff, thanks to a generous £4,000 donation from Middlesbrough FC.

Up to 50 care staff who support people with learning difficulties, individuals with mental health concerns and older people in care homes, received foundation training in Sign Language, Makaton and Deaf Awareness.

CIC received the donation as part of the Premier League's Creating Chances scheme which saw many Boro players make several visits to watch some great work being done and take part in some wonderful initiatives last year.

The training, provided by specialist disability trainers 'Hear First', will equip CIC's care staff with basic British Sign Language and Makaton communications skills related to their day-to-day work and develop their awareness of how best to support individuals with hearing difficulties.

CIC Chief Executive Phil Edgington said: "CIC are dedicated to investing in training that will develop the skills of our staff and the support they provide.

"The kind donation of £4,000 from Middlesbrough FC to support our efforts will have genuine, life changing benefits for hundreds of people in the North East and will equip our carers with communications skills that will last them for a lifetime."

CIC have over 50 services in the North East that support 200 people with learning difficulties and four care homes for older people in the local area.

Nationally, CIC has 4,500 employees and supports over 4,500 people with care needs across the country. They support individuals with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and mental health concerns, older people, individuals with addictions and the homeless.