A CHARITY has put out an urgent appeal for people to help raise guide dogs of the future.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is seeking volunteers from Darlington, Middlesbrough, Northallerton and Thirsk to become puppy walkers.

Involved in the task is caring for and educating pups from the age of six weeks up to a year old, when they begin their specialised training.

Pam Wagett, a member of the guide dogs' puppy walking team, said: "It is essential that we have sufficient puppy walkers to begin training the next generation of guide dogs.

"At the end of the day, if we don't have puppy walkers, we don't have guide dogs."

Volunteers must have access to a car, be home for most of the day, be free to take puppies into varied environments and have a fenced garden or yard.

For more details, ring (01642) 232666.