SCHOOL children near Winchester welcomed a canine companion into their community as part of a special presentation.

Compton All Saints Primary School pupils opened their doors to representatives, and their dog, of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Community fundraising manager Nicholas Orpin spoke to the children about their work joined by his colleague Britt-Marie Wallwork and the very well-trained Daphne.

The event marked the school’s donation of £1,295 to the charity following months of fundraising.

Twins Sophia and Bella Knight, 10, started the appeal after they made and sold their own bracelets inspired by the loom band craze.

The class teacher, Rebecca Hewitt, said it was important to teach the children the value of charities in the community but her class was a little distracted in the end.

“They were mesmerised by the dog!” she said. “They were really impressed and they all wanted to take it home.

“We’d like to teach our children to take the lead in fundraising for various charities and last year a group of children raised over £300 for the Railway charity as well.”