A HEARING dog owner will undertake a charity walk to raise awareness.

Merleen Watson from Broadway is encouraging people to take part in an eight kilometre walk at Croome Court to raise awareness and funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Ms Watson received a hearing dog in September 2013 and since then it has changed her life.

She said: "Hearing loss is a hidden disability.

"It is devastating and isolating, it destroys confidence and denies independence.

"It can be mistaken as bad manners, inattention, confusion, lack of intelligence and can lead to accusations of rudeness, being stuck up or uncaring.

"My hearing dog gives me confidence, independence, companionship, and has restored my feeling of self-worth and is enabling me to do things that she thought I had lost forever including travelling on trains, joining Childswickham W.I. and even returning to singing with St Peter’s Church, Winchcombe and Cleeve Chorale."

Five year old cocker spaniel Grace is the dog she was paired with and she has helped to raise more than £6,000 since she arrived in Broadway.

Ms Watson said: "Grace has become a familiar sight in and around the village.

"She enjoys helping me when I gives talks about hearing dogs to a range of local organisations.

"Grace is so good at her work she is now one of a very few dogs that are allowed by the charity to give demonstrations.

"Grace has also encouraged local businesses to support hearing dogs."

The Croome Court walk is part of The Great British Dog Walk which helps to raise awareness about the work of hearing dogs.

The walk takes place on Saturday March 25, with registration at 10.15am for an 11am start.

There is a three kilometre and an eight kilometre walk on offer.

The walk costs £10 for adults and children under 16 are free.

The hope is that more than 300 walkers will attend.