TO celebrate the arrival of spring a national charity which provides hearing dogs for deaf people will be opening its doors later this month.

The charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, which is based in Saunderton is hoping to showcase its life-changing work on April 20.

It is the first of a number of events for the charity and will give people the chance to see hearing dog puppies being put through their paces by their volunteer socialisers as they begin their journey to become fully-fledged hearing dogs.

There will also be an opportunity for guests to take an exclusive look at the Charity’s training houses and see just how a hearing dog helps a deaf person during regular demonstrations.

Refreshments will be available to buy at the on-site restaurant. Hearing Dogs for Deaf People last year celebrated its 30th anniversary and it’s hoped the Spring Open Day will help to bring more vital funds into the Charity.

Spokesman Rob Panting said: "Since we launched as a charity back in 1982, Hearing Dogs has relied on the generosity of the public to fund our life-changing work.

"We are a non-government funded organisation and make a lifetime commitment to each of our recipients, so the public’s ongoing support at events such as the Spring Open Day really is vital to our continued efforts."

Hearing dogs are trained to alert their deaf recipients to a range of sounds such as the alarm clock, doorbell, mobile phone, smoke alarm and fire alarm. In addition, hearing dogs give their recipients greater levels of independence, confidence and companionship.

Tickets to the Spring Open Day cost £5 for adults, £2 for under-16s and concessions while under-threes are welcome free of charge - tickets are available on the day upon arrival. For more information go to: www.hearingdogs.org.uk