A PORTHMADOG woman who credits her guide dog with being her life-changer, has graduated from university with a first class degree.

Elin Williams, 21, crossed the stage at Chester Cathedral to graduate with a BA (Hons) in English Literature, with faithful Jazzy, a black Labrador/Retriever cross at her side.

Her canine companion was also dressed in special ceremonial robes to mark the occasion.

The former University of Chester graduate was born with a degenerative condition called Lebers Congenital Amaurosis, and has been registered blind since she was a teenager.

Obtaining a degree is something she had always dreamed of, but found herself struggling in her first year, finding it difficult to adjust to life away from her hometown.

She said: “I knew Porthmadog like the back of my hand, but when I arrived in Chester, I was having to learn routes with my cane which takes a while to do. I lost a lot of confidence and suffered socially, feeling too much of a burden to ask my housemates for help. It was also a challenge to learn how I could help the people who were supposed to support me, because it required me to be able to articulate and explain my own needs.”

Feeling as though she was missing out on making the most of what university has to offer, and after a lot of thought and consideration, Elin registered herself on the official guide dog waiting list.

Although she initially had some reservations about whether having a guide dog would suit her, Elin says that having Jazzy has been a life -changing experience.

She said: “It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how much of a difference having Jazzy has made to my life because there isn’t much of a comparison. Having her enhanced my university experience, because she gave me the skills and confidence to be able to get out and socialise with my peers.

"She accompanied me to so many lectures, seminars, meetings and socials, that’s she’s an honorary graduate herself.

"It’s hard to feel invisible when everybody knows you and your dogs name.”

Elin now hopes to pursue a career in communications, within the charity sector.