FOUR dogs left for dead have been given a new lease of life helping deaf people. Yasmin, Yorick, Yogi and Yoda - were found starving to death after being wrapped in a plastic bag by callous owners.

A farmer took them to a sanctuary who passed them to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Now the seven-month-old crossbreeds - all brothers and sisters - are being trained to alert their new owners to everyday sounds such as alarms and doorbells.

Charity spokeswoman Jenny Moir said: ‘It's an amazing story. Yasmin, Yorick, Yogi and Yoda are our star pupils. They were callously left for dead but now they are set to become invaluable partners for people who really need and cherish them.’