WHEN Sally's owner took her out for a walk, the black Labrador had no idea it would be a 900 mile trek across Europe to Chester-le-Street.

The dedicated dog has accompanied her owner Ian Young across the continent on a mammoth fund-raising walk and both will arrive back home in Chester-le-Street on Sunday.

Their journey started in Germany, where Ian has been working to train dogs to help people with disabilities.

He embarked on the trip to raise money for the International Service Dog Fund and to finance his dream of setting up a centre in Chester-le-Street where unwanted pets can be trained to become service dogs.

Service dogs are trained to learn specific tasks such as picking up keys, or other skills their future owner may find difficult.

Ian's mother Ruth Young, who also lives in Chester-le-Street, said Sally has become a celebrity in Germany. Although she was originally taken from a rescue centre to be trained as a service dog, Ian never found her a suitable owner and she now helps him publicise his cause.

Ian and Sally will be walking around the Riverside Stadium in Chester-le-Street on the mornings of Thursday, August 29, and Friday, August 30, to make up the miles lost when they had to travel by ferry and cross the Humber bridge in a car.

People of all ages are invited to accompany them on the walk. Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult and will receive a certificate.

For further information or to give a donation contact Ruth Young on (0191) 388 6156.