She was put forward for the SkillsTrain Young People of the Year (YOPEY) Awards in Nottinghamshire by Carl Brathwaite, Ollerton Primary School's acting deputy headteacher.

Carl is also a special needs co-ordinator and regularly comes into contact with Sally's mum Joanne, who also has trouble communicating.

He says this has given him a special insight into how Sally and her younger sister Holly help their mum –– telling Chad he nominated the youngster for the award because of the difference she makes to her mum's way of life.

"Sally is brilliant," said Carl. "She acts as a go-between for her class teacher and her mum who is totally deaf.

"Sally is a very bright girl. She is fully proficient at sign language and acts as a highly effective and competent interpreter. She is ready all the time to help."

Sally, who has been signing since she was two, translates speech into sign language for her mum –– as well as sign language into speech for people communicating with Joanne.

Joanne told Chad: "I am very proud of Sally. She is always here for me, to support and help me and she always interprets for me."

And Sally is also pleased with her own achievements, saying: "I enjoy signing. I feel proud of myself that I have achieved something none of my friends can do."

As a nominee for YOPEY, Sally is now in the running to win the top prize of £1,000 at an award ceremony supported by Nottinghamshire County Council at County Hall in December.