WEST Devon dog owners are being invited to take part in the Great British Dog Walk on Sunday (June 14), in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

The walk, taking place at Saltram in Plymouth, will see hundreds of dog lovers joining together for the event to support the national charity.

One such dog lover who will be in attendance is Helen Burridge from Tavistock and her hearing dog, Sam.

Helen said: 'I was born with a hearing impairment but it was not picked up until I was 27.

'Throughout my life, people didn't know how to communicate with me. I remember one of my supervisors shouting at me, telling me that she was shouting so I could hear her.

'I kept telling her that this was not how to communicate with a deaf person; it was so difficult. I eventually lost my job after filing a complaint for harassment, victimisation and bullying.

'I lost both my parents in 2011 within four and a half weeks of each other. It was the biggest challenge of my life. When they died I felt so isolated and alone.

'When I met my hearing dog, Sam, it was love at first sight. He is just amazing. So many people have told me how much more confident I have become and I am now taking on more and more challenges such as public speaking. Without Sam, I don't know where I would be.'

Walkers can choose between a 3km and an 8km route and will be able to enjoy demonstrations from the Hearing Dogs display team, as well as craft stalls and activities.

All funds raised on the day will help Hearing Dogs to train more clever puppies to transform the lives of deaf people.

For more information and to sign up, visit http://www.greatbritishdog">www.greatbritishdog walk.com/saltram