A DISABLED woman in Upton is feeling the repercussions of floods in faraway Sheffield as her support dog can no longer qualify to assist her.

Kate Arnett, 40, of Old Orchard Road, is anxious that her black labrador Ernie will not be able to complete his training in August after the Support Dogs centre in Brightside Lane, Sheffield, was submerged under four feet of water and the walls caved in.

The centre, which only opened two years ago to train registered assistant dogs, was a lifeline to people with disabilities and epilepsy.

For those with epilepsy, the dogs are trained to detect oncoming fits up to 40 minutes before they occur.

For Mrs Arnett, who suffers from multiple arthritis, the dog supports her in everyday tasks like getting dressed, using the phone and doing the laundry.

She said: "I just can't tell you how awful it is. As well as major structural damage, the centre has lost all its fundraising merchandise and training aids. I don't know when Ernie's going to qualify."

Until Ernie is officially trained and registered, Ms Arnett cannot take him into restricted areas' such as supermarkets, limiting her independence.

Ms Arnett is appealing for donations so the charity can be re-housed and the damage repaired. Anyone able to offer assistance should make contact via e-mail to angela@support-dogs.org.uk.