A VISUALLY impaired girl from Swanage is one of the youngest buddy dog owners - and her dog has been helping her through lockdown.

Everly Collins, four, a pupil at Swanage Primary School, was diagnosed with Frontonasal Encephalocele after she was born 10 weeks premature.

Everly's brain was growing outside of her skull which caused her right eye to be visually impaired as her brain was pressing on an optic nerve.

Despite Everly's mum Hannah Attride being told she may never walk or talk, Everly has defied all odds.

She is now being supported by her buddy dog - a friendly companion for younger children with visual impairments- Donna the labradoodle.

Hannah said: "Donna has absolutely been the best thing that has ever happened to Everly. It has been life-changing for Everly as Donna helps her with her routine and it’s really special to see the bond between the pair grow.

"Usually, you’re supposed to be aged five to have a buddy dog but Guide Dogs was fantastic and said it really depends on the child. We started the application for Everly’s buddy dog in August 2020 and we met Donna in September. Donna was matched with Everly and she came home to our house just before Everly started school."

Prior to applying for a buddy dog, Hannah was considering holding Everly back a year from school.

But having Donna and support from the Dorset SEN team reassured Hannah that Everly was ready for that next step.

Hannah said: "Currently, Everly spends three days at school and two days at home, home-learning. Donna has been so helpful with those two days at home."

Guide Dogs UK is the number one provider of services for children and young people with a vision impairment.

For further information and support visit: guidedogs.org.uk