Hearing dog Violet has helped to transform Jason’s life

SHE is his best friend and his ears in a silent world.

The partnership between Jason Warman, 14, and his hearing dog, Violet, has changed his life, giving him confidence and independence.

Now, the special bond has been recognised after Jason was named runner-up in the Life-changing Partnership Of The Year category at the Specsavers Hearing Dog Awards 2012.

His award was announced by former EastEnders actress Pam St Clement, who played soap favourite Pat Butcher, and he was presented with the accolade by the charity's patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

Jason, of Hessle, said: "It's fantastic.

"I'm really proud of myself and I'm proud of Violet.

"The night was fantastic too."

Jason, who attends Doncaster School for the Deaf, was chosen as one of 12 youngsters in the country to benefit from a hearing dog in a unique study.

In the past four years, black Labrador Violet has rarely left his side.

Jason and Violet were named as finalists due to the impact Violet has had on Jason and his family.

They saw off competition from dozens of others to be named finalists.

Jason attended the ceremony at the Honourable Artillery Company in London with Violet and his family.

Celebrities also attended the event, including television presenters Dan Lobb and Tim Vincent, and Desperate Housewives actor John Barrowman hosted the evening.

Jason's mother Michelle Bell, 45, said: "We are absolutely over the moon.

"Jason took it all in his stride.

"The Princess Royal gave him a lot of time and she asked how Violet helped him and if he enjoyed the night.

"I'm overwhelmed.

"Violet has given Jason so many opportunities.

"The way she has changed his life, independence and confidence-wise, is amazing."

Before Violet, Jason, who was born deaf and uses sign language to communicate, was a shy, isolated youngster and his family said he found it difficult to interact with others.

He often walked off in public, leading to frantic searches by his family.

Violet proved invaluable recently when Jason accidentally locked his family out of the house.

As he could not hear their shouts through the letterbox, they had to summon Violet and she ran upstairs to catch Jason's attention.

On a second occasion, Jason and his sister, Amy Warman, 17, were putting their guinea pigs away in the garden when Violet brought their attention to an intruder.

Jason went back into the house and locked the door and the intruder is believed to have escaped over the garden fence.

Michelle said Violet has been a huge part of the family since day one.

"Without Violet, we would never have let Jason go to the shop on his own," she said.

"I feel more confident because she is there because she can alert him to danger.

"We are so proud of Jason."