A NUMBER of lords and ladies, a former demon bowler and a garage boss were in an invited audience when a growing charity made its case for more funding for its work yesterday.

North Yorkshire's Aske Hall Estate is already a patron of Canine Partners, which trains dogs to help with tasks which can be beyond some people with special needs.

However, former Yorkshire and England cricketer Fred Truman, Lord and Lady Gisborough and Lady Halifax, as well as representatives from the Richmond Motor Company, Disability Action and the Good Neighbour Trust were shown what the animals could do yesterday in the hope that they will help to spread the word.

Canine Partners dogs can press buttons to operate pedestrian crossings or lifts; load and unload washing machines; retrieve keys or crutches; pick up a ringing telephone; collect chosen items from a supermarket shelf; help with dressing or undressing; and even assist in some emergencies.

But training each animal is not cheap. It can cost as much as £9,000, with another £3,700 spent helping each person to adapt to their new Canine Partner.

The person then benefits from continued financial assistance, which can amount to £7,000.

"We were set up just over ten years ago but, so far, we've remained quite small," said spokesman Cliff Lane.

"Our ambition is to increase the number of dogs we train a year from 15 to 40 over the next five years, but that means more money - and therefore, we need extra help.

"We are hoping our visit to Aske Hall will help raise our profile but we would welcome hearing from anyone who thinks they can support us in any way.''

Canine Partners can be contacted on (01730) 894830 or through the website at www.caninepartners.co.u