IT might be the most adorable volunteering opportunity in town.

The Guide Dogs charity is looking for animal-lovers to care for puppies while they are in training to help the blind.

Volunteers help by taking in a six-week-old dog, teaching them to be sociable and well behaved, before they are transferred to a specialist training centre at the age of one.

Trainee guide dogs must learn how to be confident in all situations, from taking the train to visiting cafes or churches.

Mum-of-three Sharon Burns said volunteering for guide dogs gave her a new lease of life.

She is now on her seventh puppy and added:  “The kids adore having a new puppy every year and, surprisingly, they adapt well when it’s time for each puppy to leave.

“Handing over your first puppy is really tough because you’ve not experienced the joy and pride yet but seeing your bundle of wriggly fur who arrived with no manners, no toilet skills and there they are striding down the street in harness making decisions and guiding - there is no better feeling.

“It’s mostly the simple mundane things that make me proud; hearing how a person who has not been out of the house on their own or on a bus for years and is now travelling with confidence, or gone back to work, makes me smile for days.”

If you have got what it takes to care for a future guide dog and are aged over 18, find out more by visiting guidedogs.org.uk/supportus/volunteering/what-can-i-do/puppy-walkers or call 07785 433269.