THE Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is appealing for volunteers from South Cheshire to walk puppies, the future eyes and ears of many blind people.

The charity is looking for people to join its team who care for and educate guide dog pups in their own homes, from six weeks to a year old when they begin their specialised guide dog training.

Volunteer development officer Shirley Cohen said: "We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to become puppy walkers to help prepare our pups for the life-transforming work that lies ahead of them as guide dogs for visually-impaired people.

"It is challenging and a big commitment, but our volunteers do find it extremely rewarding and worthwhile.

"Guide Dogs provide volunteer puppy walkers with an allocated puppy walking supervisor to make sure professional support and help is always at hand, and to ensure the pup is successfully prepared for the next stage of its guide dog training."

Guide dog pups spend most of their first year with their puppy walkers who teach them basic obedience and house training, and get them used to a home environment, noise and the bustle of towns.

They prepare the pups for their working life ahead, which includes taking them on public transport such as, trains, buses and taxis.

For more information contact Shirley Cohen on 07990 540 228 or email shirley.cohen@guidedogs.org.uk.