Sophie Ede, chief executive of Hearing Help Essex visited Maldon Rotary Club to give a talk on the charity’s work.

Some 60 volunteers provide a cleaning and re-tubing service for hearing aids covering across Essex.

The service is free and no appointment is necessary although a donation is requested.

Mrs Ede explained that people frequently did not receive follow-up guidance on the use and maintenance of hearing aids and this is where the charity steps in.

Home visits are available and outreach centres aim to get the message across.

More than 900 people in the Maldon area benefit from this service.

Hearing Help Essex has received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Mrs Ede spoke passionately about her charity and with good reason; she had a promising career as a singer cut short by a devastating illness that caused her own hearing loss.

Pictured, Mrs Ede receives a cheque for £180 from club president Alan Smith, following fundraising.