A TALENTED teenager is hoping to help inspire the next generation of deaf dance, music and acting stars.

Holly Parker, who is 14 and profoundly deaf, has been selected as one of the 24 winners of the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) 'Raising the Bar' competition.

She was chosen by the NDCS and leading deaf professionals from the arts and entertainment industry for showcasing exceptional talent in music whilst playing Le Streght on her violin.

Holly, from Thaxted, has now been invited to attend a mentoring weekend in June before taking part in a Raising the Bar live showcase in Birmingham.

There will be a dancing masterclass hosted by acclaimed deaf choreographer Mark Smith, a drama masterclass hosted by artistic director of the Deafinitely theatre group Paula Garfield and a music masterclass organised by Danny Lane from the Music and the Deaf charity.

Sophie Stone, a deaf actress who has appeared in Dr Who, launched the competition at the beginning of 2016.

She said: "I am so impressed by the high standard of entries for the NDCS ‘Raising the Bar’ competition.

"Having attended RADA I know how vital it is for deaf children and young people to be in an environment where they can build confidence, gain skills and make new friends.

"Deaf children are just as capable as everyone else; we just need to make sure they get the right support."

Bryony Parkes, Inclusive Activities Implementation Manager for NDCS said: "We had an amazing response from some extremely talented deaf young actors, dancers and musicians.

"It is really important that deaf children and young people get the same opportunities to take part in the same activities as their hearing friends and siblings. We hope these competition winners will go on to great things as well as demonstrate to their peers exactly what they are capable of."

Holly's audition video can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyeTjomHpNM&feature=youtu.be.