The president of Harrow United Deaf Club was given a look inside Coronation Street's famous Rovers Return this week.

Asif Iqbal was invited to the set of ITV soap - one of his favourite programmes - on Tuesday.

On arrival, reception staff used British Sign Language (BSL) to greet Mr Iqbal.

He was then introduced to Kieran Roberts, creative director of drama, and a production manager who gave Asif a guided tour of Corrie including the Rover pub.

A tour round the street also took him to Roy's Cafe, the hairdresser and corner shop.

Mr Iqbal was taken to the studio to watch the rehearsal ready for the filming that took place at the Rover, with Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie), Aidan Conner (Shane Ward), Michelle Connor (Kim Marsh) and Steve McDonald giving their lines.

Mike Le Vell also greeted Mr Iqbal and explained that he had gained deaf awareness as result of his deaf neighbours.

Actress Izzy Armstrong, a level two BSL user, met Mr Iqbal and said: "It was really refreshing to be able to communicate with someone directly."

While Sean Tully approached Asif with a warm hug to say hello before dashing off for filming.

Mr Iqbal said: "I was really impressed with the Coronation Street team for their dedication, encouraging positive portray of deaf people within the mainstream programmes.

"It was refreshing to see more opportunity for deaf people to be part of the team on/off screen.

"It is also crucial to raise awareness within the team about deafness including encouraging the production team to consider ways of raising deaf awareness and incorporate them into their programmes.

"It was an excellent opportunity to meet the senior management, sharing information and ideas and I was honoured to be invited."

As part of Deaf Awareness Week it is also understood a deaf character will make an appearance on Friday, May 6.