MORE than 100 staff and students at Bradford College took the chance to ‘de-stress’ today by spending a relaxing time in the company of trainee guide dogs.

The event was organised by the college’s student union as part of its Freshers activity programme.

In exchange for a 15-minute petting session with the puppies, people made a donation to the national Guide Dogs charity.

Jo Stevens, community fundraising development manager for the charity, said the event was about engaging with the student population.

“It was a win-win event for us, as most of the dogs are still in training and it is good to get them used to people and noise,” she said.

“It is good for the students to understand what the charity does and understand the impact on someone of losing their sight.”

The charity, which is entirely reliant on voluntary donations from the public, said it cost £50,000 to breed and look after a guide dog throughout its life.