Dog lovers at a Dorchester care home have raised money for a charity that brings canine companionship and life-saving help to deaf people.

Castle View care home staged a series of events including a dog show and evening gala after its chose to support Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.

More than 100 people attended the show, which featured 58 dogs registered in 10 categories. It raised £750 for the charity.

Veteran journalist Kate Adie was a guest judge at the show which was also attended by Mayor of Dorchester David Taylor.

Cllr Taylor returned to the Poundbury home for an Italian-themed gala evening which featured live music from opera singer Kara Guarraci.

He said: “I was delighted to be invited to something of such significance to the community.

“The funds raised really show the commitment people have to helping people get over their impairments.

“It gives a vital link to community action and making people aware of people’s needs.”

Charity representative Debs Fullbrook collected the cheque.

Castle View companionship team member Sue Goodwin said: “We had a lot of fun at our dog show, opera evening and other events.

“We encourage our residents to get involved in raising money for charities and good causes if they wish.

“As well as benefitting these organisations, it helps residents retain community links and make new friendships.

“They chose to support Hearing Dogs for the Deaf as it is an organisation that brings such joy and company to people, especially older and disabled people who can find themselves lonely at times.”

Cllr Taylor added: “People have got to understand, especially in the moments of the austerity we’re in, that community is more important than ever.

"We can step in and guide and help people with their needs and causes.”

Hearing Dogs is a charity that trains dogs to alert deaf people to sounds they would otherwise miss.

These sounds include the doorbell, alarm clocks and fire alarms.

Dogs are carefully matched with deaf recipients to ensure a successful partnership.