Oxford's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre is opening its doors to mark its 50th anniversary.

Since it opened in December 1957, thousands of deaf and hard of hearing people have been helped by the charity.

This weekend, there will be a series of events at the centre, including exhibitions and talks about the work it does and the services offered.

There will also be sign language taster sessions, sign songs, drama workshops and a deaf experience simulation, where people put on headphones demonstrating how everyday life would sound if you were partially deaf.

John Harmsworth, vice-chairman of the centre, in Littlegate Street, off St Ebbe's, said: "We fulfil a very great need here.

"People without hearing difficulties don't understand what it's like to be deaf.

"Lots of people don't even know what goes on inside here, they don't know what the centre stands for and what activities are carried out and what sources of information we provide."

The centre, which has only just got around to organising the celeberations, works alongside charity Deaf Direct and offers a range of support and information and puts people in touch with interpreting and language services.

Regular hearing aid clinics are held and there are also a number of different clubs and groups, including a youth group, deaf people's tea and coffee group and the Oxford Deaf Sports and Social Club.

Mr Harmsworth, who has been deaf since he was seven after contracting TB meningitis, said: "It's a resource not just for deaf people, but where non-deaf people can come for information about how to cope with their deaf friend or neighbour and where they can go for help."

Celebrations start tomorrow with exhibitions, talks and sign songs as well as presentations on the history and future of the centre. On Saturday, there will be a fun day, running between 10am and 4pm, with sign language taster lessons, free games equipment, sign songs, exhibitions and films.

The events conclude on Sunday at 3pm with a thanksgiving service led by the Rt Rev John Pritchard, the Bishop of Oxford — which will be signed, spoken and lip-synched.

Centre director Jane Tolson has been involved with the centre for more than 10 years, originally coming with her deaf son — she has also been deaf from birth.

She said: "I think this place has made a big difference to my son.

"He's at mainstream school and when you go to mainstream school, you're often the only deaf child.

"When he came here, he got to know other deaf people, made friends and was able to see other deaf people every day, so he didn't feel like he was the only one."

For more details, call the centre on 01865 243447.