CHILDREN in Consett are being given the chance to name a guide dog puppy as opticians celebrate raising more than £170,000 for their national charity.

The money has helped rear 17 puppies from the breeding stage, through their health checks and intensive training to become a valued companion to their new owners.

As a thank you to generous customers, Specsavers is giving children the honour of naming the puppies.

Store director Gary Baker said: "We are delighted to have been able to support such an important and worthwhile charity. We feel it is our responsibility to give something back to Guide Dogs in honour of the work they do for the blind and partially-sighted."

To be in with a chance of winning, children under 12 are invited to draw a picture of a guide dog puppy and bring it along with their chosen name to the store, in Middle Street. The name must be gender neutral and not specific to any breed.