A CHARITY is celebrating 35 years of helping people.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association opened its Darlington branch in 1967.
Volunteers and workers organised a thanksgiving service at St Andrew's Church, Haughton-le-Skerne, to celebrate the milestone.
The branch was set up after Councillor Alan Brown held a public meeting and John Bailey asked if a branch of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association could be formed in Darlington.
As a result of the meeting, a committee was set up.
Chairwoman Jean Robson is the only founder member still active in the branch.
At the time, the nearest training centres were in Bolton and Leamington, and the cost of training a guide dog was about £250. Now the cost is £35,000.
By 1971, nationally there were 340 dogs trained. Now the association has 5,000 working guide dogs.
The committee has worked tirelessly over the years to raise funds for the association and help improve the quality of life for visually impaired people. Many former members were invited to the thanksgiving service.
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