Staff and members at the Centre for Deaf People in Bristol gathered to celebrate its 125th anniversary.

The centre in King Square, Kingsdown, was founded in 1884 to provide a wide range of services for deaf and hard of hearing people in the area.

The centre's youth group presented a signed poetry piece while club member Jennifer Akerman delivered a short history presentation in the first of a series of events to mark the anniversary.

Old and new aids used by deaf people were displayed and demonstrated to highlight the changing face of technology.

The centre provides deaf people with aids as part of its work – including everything from flashing doorbell alarms and pagers, to telecommunication systems and flashing smoke alarms.

It also offers community activities, advice and information, lipreading classes, pastoral care, British sign language classes, youth clubs, sporting activities and an environmental equipment service.

The centre's chief executive John Maslen said: "This year is an historic one. A lot has happened with deaf people over 125 years. Gone are the days when deaf people depended on charity and the 'goodwill' of hearing people.

"Society, though, still has a lot to learn about deaf culture and the sign community and I'm delighted to use this year to highlight deaf awareness through the centre."

Senior youth and community worker Ian Glover, who has been with the centre for six years, said: "The future of the centre lies with the young deaf community. Part of our job here is to help them develop in confidence to find their way in life."