Little Liffey's floppy ears are more than just a cute feature for her owner.

Lyn Kolsteren, born without hearing in one ear, relies on the terrier to help her cope with everyday life.

Liffey was provided to Lyn by the Hearing Dogs for Deaf people charity.

The mother-of-two from Greatstone said: “Before I had her, I used a shaking alarm under my pillow to wake me up.

“Now when the alarm goes off, she jumps on the bed to wake me up. She alerts me to the door bell, cooker timer, smoke alarm and the telephone. She plays an enormous part in my life and she’s a good friend too.”

Lyn and Liffey were guests at the opening of a new centre in Maidstone run by the firm Hidden Hearing, which was founded in the County Town 40 years ago, and is expanding its branch network across the UK.

The firm’s flagship branch in Pudding Lane, which replaces smaller premises in King Street, was formally opened by Maidstone Mayor Cllr Denise Joy.

With an estimated nine million people in the UK suffering from hearing problems, and an aging population likely to increase that number, Hidden Hearing has a large market.

It already employs nearly 100 people in Medway House, Wheeler Street, out of a total of 450 staff nationwide. It operates 80 centres, including Maidstone, Margate and Canterbury.