British TV presenter, writer and adventurer Ben Fogle has been named a patron for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, and stars in the charity's Deafness Doesn't Have To Be Lonely campaign.

Fogle, whose father founded Hearing Dogs for Deaf People 35 years ago, commented 'I’ve grown up as part of the Hearing Dogs family, so for me to now take on this official role for the charity my father co-founded is a huge honour. I've met and spoken with many recipients who have told me their hearing dog has quite literally given them their life back; their independence, self-confidence and self-esteem restored and once again happy and enjoying life in a way they never thought possible. And that's all thanks to these very special little canine hearing dog heroes'.