THE Middlesbrough branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind has scooped a £500 grant from financial service Pearl.

The cash will pay for a puppy for the first 12 months of its life, when it will be housed with a walker.

Pearl became involved after dog walkers John and Dee Teasdale applied for a grant under a customer support scheme.

Under the programme, customers who have been with Pearl for more than a year and spend time working for charity can apply for a grant.

John, of Barnard Castle, said: "We are absolutely thrilled with this grant. Each dog costs a lot of money so the Guide Dog for the Blind Association relies on donations from the public and local businesses.