From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, July 02, 2008

MORE than £1,500 has been raised by Devon County Council staff in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Fundraising activities across the County Council were organised during Deaf Awareness Week (6 - 9 May) with the backing of the staff Deaf Awareness Group.

Thanks to generous support, £1,116.85 was raised through cake sales and having a "dress down" day. Added to funds raised in December by Devon Ensembles, it takes the total to £1,514.85.

The aim is to raise £5,000 over the course of the year to cover the cost of training a Hearing Dog.

Heather Barnes, Director of Personnel and Performance, who will be handing over the cheque to the charity, said: "Thank you to everyone who has donated money so far and we hope we can rely on even more support to reach our target figure to enable a hearing dog to be trained. Hearing Dogs change lives, not only by providing practical assistance, but they can also restore a deaf person's sense of security, confidence and independence. It's heart-warming to think that Devon County Council staff can help provide that for someone."

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a registered charity that selects and trains dogs - mostly from rescue centres - to respond to specific sounds which hearing people often take for granted, such as an alarm clock, doorbell, a baby crying, and smoke alarm.

Instead of barking, the dog alerts the deaf person by touch, using a paw to gain attention and then leading them to the sound source. For sounds such as a smoke alarm and fire bell, the dogs will lie down to indicate danger.

The Charity receives no government funding, so relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations to continue helping deaf people and unwanted puppies.

Notes for Editors:

Media representatives are invited to a photo opportunity at County Hall at 9:30am on Wednesday 9 July, when a cheque will be presented to the charity. Hearing dogs and their socialisers will also be present.