The charity is the long held dream of  Gulf war veteran Allen Parton, who’s partnership with Labrador Endal became the subject of documentaries, an international best-selling memoir and a possible Hollywood movie.

“I was always amazed at the public interest in Endal's and my story but I couldn't except that we were unique and why this sort of thing was not the norm,” he says.

“Endal became the best physical and psychological rehabilitation I could have ever received,” he adds. “He transformed not only my life but that of my family. EJ (Endal junior) has continued to give me the same quality of life and independence that I experienced with Endal and every day our partnership grows stronger. Together there are truly no limits to what we can achieve. I just so wanted other to experience the same.”

Now registered with the charity commission, the team behind Hounds for Heroes have experience of the other assistance dogs organisations. Four serving members of the Armed Forces have come on board as trustees, and the charity has already gained practical support from serving personnel.

Allen, who has been the face of the Royal British legion poppy appeal, , admits that some veterans may view assistance dogs as a badge of disability and weakness. “Hounds for Heroes intends to break this negative image and promote the dogs as badges of ability and honour,” Allen says. “Within the Services there is a very special camaraderie built of trust, loyalty and team work. We hope to replicate that in the partnering of our clients with a Hounds for Heroes. Our dogs jacket will bear the service emblem of the clients regiment, ship or squadron, and any medals awarded will be embroidered on to the dogs jackets.”

Squadron Leader Wayne Palmer is the chairman of the new charity. He said: “I was extremely honoured to be elected to this fantastic charity, where we will be making a difference for our heroes; those men and women of our Armed Forces and Emergency Services who have been disabled. These are our people who routinely put their lives on the line, as part of their duty, and as a nation we should be looking after them.”

MORE: Hounds for Heroes. 07788 93 44 55, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.houndsforheroes.com

The new professional theatre company has aimed at bringing together 13-25 year old disabled and non disabled people who between them develop a production that displays the talents of those taking part.

MORE: www.strictlycollaborative.co.uk

During the last 12 years the award-winning Extend scheme has recruited 466 disabled people. In 2009, more than two thirds of ‘Extendees’ went on to gain further employment with the broadcaster.

By the end of the six month placement, which start in September, Extendees will be able to compete for jobs in the industry field having:

•    Put learning immediately into practice in a real job.

•    Received high quality support from BBC leaders as well as a range of innovative and varied development opportunities.

•    Followed a structured work development plan with clearly defined learning objectives and regular reviews with their appointed line manager/supervisor.

•    Reached their full potential with support from line managers/supervisors and their ‘personal buddy’ from the Extend Scheme.

•    Taken an active part in the BBC community.

MORE: www.bbc.co.uk/jobs/extend