THE SKILLS of 'hearing dogs' were showcased at a major exhibition and information day for the hearing impaired and deaf.

Dogs trained not to bark, but to touch and show their hard-of-hearing masters the source of noises, put on demonstrations of their abilities at last week's free event in Durham.

Spotlight on Deafness, organised by Durham County Council's social services department, attracted hundreds of visitors to County Hall. Opened by TV weatherman Bob Johnson, pride of place went to the specially-trained canine stars.

But it was also a chance to show off the new videophone resource unit being installed at County Hall.

Two are already in use at social services offices in Framwellgate Moor and Bishop Auckland. The third, at County Hall, will be a further boost to improve communications for the deaf and hearing impaired.

Supplied by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, they eliminate the need for a sign language interpreter needing to accompany a deaf person.

Both can see each other over the videophone and the interpreter then talks to a hearing person, explaining what is required.

Apart from the hearing dogs and videophone, the event provided companies manufacturing equipment and gadgets for the deaf to exhibit their products.

It provided Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade with a chance to promote smoke alarms for deaf people, which draw attention through strobe lighting rather than sound.

They also activate a vibrating mat which can be placed under a pillow.

Anna Knighton, sponsorship officer with Durham Social Services department, said more than 2,500 people in the county are registered deaf or hearing impaired.

"We've been able to host a series of workshops covering current issues for deaf people.

Spotlight on Deafness was sponsored by Sarabec Ltd, a Middlesbrough company that designs and manufactures products for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.