A RETIRED guide dog taught staff and customers at a town centre opticians about the work of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Golden labrador Dixon and his handler Ron Pearson visited Specsavers in Newton Aycliffe, to show how important guide dogs are.

Staff had raised money for the charity by paying to wear sunglasses for the day during Shades Day, a national initiative held last month.

Store director Fiona Curtis said: "It was great for our customers to have a chance to meet a working guide dog and talk to Ron."

The store is also raising money with a "name the man in the poster" competition.

Specsaver stores across the country have raised more than £100,000 for the charity.