AN EAST Lothian charity which has helped provide deaf people with support dogs for nearly two decades is closing down.

The county’s branch of Hearing Dogs for the Deaf will cease to exist from May 4, and its fundraising shop, on Musselburgh High Street, will close at the end of March.

Janie McGregor, branch chairwoman, said the committee took the decision to disband following the death of treasurer and founding member Ann Ross late last year.

She said: “We’ve been going since 1996 and volunteer work takes its toll as you get a bit older. We felt, after losing Ann, it was time to bring our work to an end.

“We’ve had the most amazing support over the years from people across East Lothian and want to thank them all for their kindness and generosity. They have really helped us make a difference.” Hearing Dogs for the Deaf is a UK-wide charity which raises funds to train dogs to act as the ‘ears’ of their owners, alerting them to the doorbell, smoke alarms and other day-to-day sounds.

The charity, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, has the patronage of the Princess Royal, and has branches across the country.

Mrs McGregor, who is profoundly deaf, became involved after meeting other fundraisers in 1996.

She said: “The charity makes a huge difference to the lives of deaf people by training these dogs to support them and we are very proud of the contribution we have made over the last two decades.

“It is not only about raising funds, but about raising awareness of the fact there is support like this available for people who are deaf, and it can change their lives.” The branch opened its shop in Musselburgh five years ago but has been attending local galas and events for 18 years to raise cash and awareness for the charity.

Mrs McGregor said: “When we started we went anywhere and everywhere raising support; if there was an event on we’d head to it with our tent. Then we were able to open the shop and it has become a wee social hub for our volunteers and supporters.

“It will be a sad day when it closes, but we feel our work has come to its natural end.” The charity shop, which is open seven days a week, closes on March 29.