AS thousands of youngsters across Britain go back to school this week one pupil will have a special friend to help him through the day.

Brad Ranson, 14, is the youngest person in the country to be given a guide dog.

Usually blind people can only apply for a guide dog when they are 16 because of the responsibility involved in looking after the hounds.

But Brad's mobility officer at Belmont School Community Arts College in Durham heard about the pilot scheme and felt that he was ready to take on such a responsibility.

Now he is ready to enjoy his first day back at the school today with Labrador and Golden Retriever-cross Lance.

Brad, who lives in Belmont, said: "It's made such a difference to my life, I'm so much more independent.

"I can go to school on my own now and I can get the bus into Durham, I feel much more like my age. Before I was often stuck in my bedroom."

Parents Joyce and Dave, both 36, were heartbroken when Brad lost his sight when he was seven. He had been born with sight in only one of his eyes and the other eye started to deteriorate by the time he was five.

Joyce said: "As a mum it was horrendous watching your son go blind and we welcome anything that will make his life easier.

"Lance has made such a difference, especially if Brad wants to go shopping. Before he had to use his cane to tap along the windows of the shops to find the door, now Lance guides him to them."

Andrew Leon, deputy district team manager for Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: "We were impressed by Brad's maturity and outlook and his commitment to looking after a dog, and he had strong support from his parents and his school.

"And we were able to find a dog to match Brad which is very important."

Anne Morrell, sensory support service co-ordinator at Belmont School, said the school are delighted Brad has been chosen for the pilot scheme.

She added: "Brad is just the right person to make the most of this opportunity and having a guide dog will transform his life."