A York couple have dedicated nearly 20 years of their life to training dogs which have become ears to the deaf.
Joyce Kingman, 64, first volunteered at Bielby-based national charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in 1996.
The volunteers care for a puppy for the first year of its life, before the dog is given advanced training.
After the first puppy, Joyce and husband Harry fostered a brood bitch called Chanel and helped to deliver her litters of puppies in their home.
They went on to look after 42 dogs.
Mrs Kingman said: “Volunteering is just so much fun.When you have a puppy, every trip out is a social occasion and everyone wants to come over and make a fuss.”
The charity is celebrating national Volunteers Week next week by thanking its 1,650 helpers.
Centre Manager Rebekkah Barr said: “We rely solely on the support of the public and could not possibly continue without our dedicated volunteers.”
To volunteer visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk.
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