A DEAF woman has launched a 60-second film for a charity to raise awareness of the 'invisible disability'.

June Hartstone, of Sandbach, and her hearing dog Paddy launched the film about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at Sandbach Services.

The film, which is an advert for how the charity trains dogs to transform the lives of deaf people, and made by i-Travel TV, is being broadcast at 29 Roadchef motorway services throughout the UK.

Hearing Dogs spokeswoman Jenny Moir said: 'We select many of our dogs from rescue centres and train them to alert deaf people to important everyday sounds such as the smoke alarm and alarm clock.

'As well as the obvious practical assistance, many deaf people say their hearing dog has restored their confidence and enabled them to lead a more independent life feeling safe and secure in their own homes when out and about.

'The burgundy coats worn by every hearing dog help the public to recognise a deaf person's otherwise invisible disability. It's also part of their uniform, proving they are a registered assistance dog and have right of access to public places with their deaf owner.'