The couple have raised money for the Royal School for the Deaf

Husband and wife Pc Tony Crompton and Sgt Kate Crompton, of Greater Manchester Police, have completed the British Sign Language level 1 course.

The course, which was funded by GMP, now means that they are able to hold a basic conversation with deaf people.

The couple recently ran the Wilmslow half marathon for the Royal Schools for the Deaf in Cheadle.

I found the course really challenging but I am glad that I have made the step Sgt Kate Compton

Pc Crompton, crime reduction advisor for the Trafford division said: "In my role, I regularly attend meetings and provide inputs to a cross section of the public.

"I was inspired to learn sign language after meeting a member of police staff who is deaf and feel that being able to hold a basic conversation in sign language will be of real benefit when carrying out my job."

Sgt Crompton, who works in GMP's Diversity Command section, said: "I have been extremely impressed with the communications skills of the deaf people that I have had contact with, but at the same time felt disappointed that I was not able to communicate with them in sign language.