It was a local deaf charity that paid for John Thompson’s first guitar lesson.

And now the 27-year-old, who was born with a hearing impairment, has fulfilled his dream of teaching music himself.

So it seemed appropriate when St Bonaventure’s School, where he works in Forest Gate, donated the proceeds of their spring concert to The National Deaf Children’s Society.

The condition hasn’t stopped John becoming an accomplished guitarist and the £500 raised by the school will go on to help others like him.

“My hearing impairment and limited frequency range hasn’t stopped me loving music. It is not a barrier,” John said.

“Music should be accessible and enjoyed by everyone and at St Bon’s the students can see I have determination and perseverance which I hope inspires them to continue and do well in lessons.”

John was born with a severe hearing impairment – the result of being 11 weeks premature which caused nerve damage to both ears.

He wears hearing aids in both ears but the condition hasn’t stopped him teaching guitar at St Bonaventure’s for the past three years.

The music lover teaches GCSE and BTEC students as well as acoustic and electric guitar to the guitar ensemble group.