FOR many the sound of Christmas choirs is one of the crucial elements of the festive season.

But yesterday 15 performers were able to add their own take on the tradition.

Members of the Oxford Deaf Centre signed the words to Christmas carols played at Oxford Castle – the first time in about 15 years they have held such a performance.

Shirley Collins, who has been profoundly deaf since birth, said: “It was lovely to be involved in the choir again.”

The 76-year-old, from Cowley, added: “I have two sons who are deaf and three grandsons who are deaf so it was nice to show them the carols and pass it on.

“I was a little bit nervous at first but once I got into it it was brilliant.”

Margaret Brown, who has also been deaf from birth, said: “It was brilliant.”

The 70-year-old Abingdon resident added: “You put yourself into the carols and you come out of yourself. It felt really good.”

Deaf interpreter Judith Scholes, who conducted the choir, said: “We are aiming to raise awareness of deafness and of hard of hearing in Oxfordshire.

“Deaf people face barriers every day in life because people do not understand how to communicate with them. This gave people the opportunity to say we are here.”

Meanwhile, about 600 people joined the annual Lord Mayor’s carol service at Oxford Town Hall yesterday. The service, which included performances by a choir from Oxford’s German twin city, Bonn, and East Oxford Primary School pupils, raised £2,500 for charity.

The cash will be split between the Donnington Doorstep Family Centre and environment and human rights charity People and Planet.

Lord Mayor Elise Benjamin, whose civic duties include a traditional solo performance on stage of Good King Wenceslas, said: “It was wonderful.”