Mum-of-two Linda Hanson was working in a school kitchen when her sight began to fade and she thought she might need glasses.

But Mrs Hanson was going blind - struck down by an incurable rare eye disease.

Eight years later Mrs Hanson, 42, and her much-loved guide dog Judy are volunteers visiting elderly people at a Bradford residential home, helping and befriending residents and day centre users.

She is also a qualified aromatherapist and provides treatment for the pensioners.

Judy is a volunteer is her own right, because the cross collie/retriever is registered with the Pets in Therapy charity. She is in a national army of animals taken to homes to make people happy by simply becoming their friends.

Mrs Hanson and one of the elderly residents who is hard of hearing have even teamed up to become each other's eyes and ears in musical bingo.

Mrs Hanson, of Carr Lane, Low Moor, said: "It's a bingo game played by recognising tunes. I shout the name of the tune and she marks it down.

"Judy is a wonderful dog and a great favourite. People stroke her and look forward to her visits."

Mrs Hanson suffered from pigmentosis of the retina - a condition which rapidly causes blindness. She described how she went to the Moorfield eye hospital in London for another last-hope medical opinion but was told nothing could save her sight.

She said no one should think that blindness would prevent them from helping others or leading a full and happy life.

"Being a volunteer isn't like going out to a job," she said. "I'm doing this because I want to do it and it gives me satisfaction."

Linda was honoured for her work with an award at the Volunteers Ceremony from Bradford Council, part of national volunteer week.

Unit manager Gaynor Taylor said: "Linda is an exceptionally professional person whose skills benefit others. Even though she is a volunteer, she is a very valuable member of the team. Judy is absolutely gorgeous. Because she is a trained dog, people find her soothing."