DOGS of all shapes and size wagged their tails in delight as they took part in today's Great British Dog Walk.

The event, held at Hanbury Hall, near Droitwich, saw hundreds of dogs and their owners come along to take a walk all in aid of the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity.

Before the walk got underway dog walkers were given a demonstration by the canines used to assist deaf people, with the help of Adam Henson.

The Country File presenter helped to show how the dogs signal to their owners when they hear a noise, from the morning alarm to the smoke alarm.

Mr Henson, who was at the event with his partner and one of their four dogs Boo, said: "I am delighted to be here. It's incredible what dogs can do for people in work but also in life. Lots of people have heard about guide dogs for the blind but I think hearing dogs are just as important so it's wonderful to be able to support the charity."

Many hearing dogs and their partners were at the event, including Sarah Jessiman, who led the walk and her dog Kai.

"We have been a partnership for eight and a half years now," she said. "He tells me about the door bell, he wakes me up to the alarm.

"I'm pleased to see so many people here today. It's about raising awareness of hearing dogs and what they do as well as raising funds."

Vicky Ryan, of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said they were pleased to see around 200 people at the event, which was the first at Hanbury Hall.

People travelled from around the Midlands to enjoy the walk on the clear but blustery day.

The Jasper family of Zoe and Jason and their children, Lucy and Sam, had also brought their ten-year-old Labrador Millie from Kidderminster.

Lucy said: "I like looking at the dogs because I like stroking them. They are really nice and gentle and sometimes you can help them if they are trying to find something."

Anne Green, came from Alvechurch, near Redditch, with her retired grey hound Delphy. And her friend Clare Pears made the journey from Bourneville in Birmingham with her two-year-old border terrier Orla.

She said: "I've been sponsored for today and raised about £200. I just wanted to help a charity that was close to things I enjoy and that obviously helps people tremendously."

For more information about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People visit hearingdogs.org.uk.