HEARING dog Harley is helping to bring independence back into the life of disabled Tony Richards after the death of his beloved dog Thommie.

Mr Richards, 51, of Hartmoor Close, Devizes, was devastated last summer when Thommie had to be put to sleep after being diagnosed with cancer.

The two had been inseparable for ten years and Thommie had allowed Mr Richards, who was born with cerebral palsy and is profoundly deaf, to lead a full life at home and at work.

But after Tommie's death Mr Richards had to move back in with his parents and for a while could not go to work at his job with Booker Cash and Carry in Trowbridge.

Now Harley a cockerpoo is settling into his role as Mr Richards ears. But the young dog is not yet quite as proficient as Thommie at tasks such as alerting his owner to everyday sounds, such as the alarm clock, telephone, doorbell and smoke alarm.

Mr Richards mother Judith said: "Tony had got so used to Thommie being very good that it is a bit of a learning curve with Harley. He is very laid back and loves attention but he is still in training.

"He is a lovely dog and they have really bonded now. It was terrible for Tony when he lost Thommie. They were so close and it all happened so quickly there was no time for him to get used to it.

"But now he loves Harley and Tony drives them to work each day. Harley has his own room at Bookers and Tony takes him out at lunchtime and in all his breaks. All the staff there make a real fuss of Harley."

Mr Richards said: "He is a good dog but a bit naughty."

A trainer from the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People realised what an impression Mr Richards and Harley has made on people in Devizes.

Mrs Richards said: "When she came she said she felt like royalty as they had been stopped by so many people. Lots of people were very said when Thommie died and are pleased Tony now has another dog."

In 2010, Thommie won the life changing category in the annual Hearing Dog of the Year Awards. In the past Mr Richards, who is a member of Devizes and District PHAB, has raised money for Phab and Hearing Dogs by taking part in the group's annual wheelchair push.