MEET Keighley – the guide dog puppy named after the town.

The loveable Labrador's first year of training will be paid for thanks to a fundraising campaign led by Keighley man Laurie Manley, a guide dog owner himself.

He spearheaded a series of challenges throughout 2016, raising £5,000.

Mr Manley and his dog Umber completed the gruelling Yorkshire Three Peaks last summer and held several events and collections.

He was supported in his campaign by wife Linda, other family members, residents and businesses.

And backing was also provided by town mayor Councillor Shabir Ahmed, who – with town council colleague, Cllr Ian Dermondy – took part in the Three Peaks challenge.

Charlotte Walton, community fundraising manager for the Guide Dogs charity, pays tribute to the campaign.

"Laurie and Linda – with trusty Umber at their side – worked tirelessly in 2016 to bring the community together and raise £5,000 to name a new guide dog puppy," she said.

"Receiving the news that Keighley has been born – and named – makes it all worthwhile for them.

"The funds will pay for the puppy's first year of life, when he will learn vital basic skills which will lay the foundation to becoming a guide dog of the future.

"Huge thanks go to everyone involved in raising the money and naming this puppy."

Mr Manley welcomed the arrival of the new puppy.

"Sight loss is life changing – but so is having a guide dog," he said.

"We were delighted to receive from Guide Dogs a photo and the birth certificate of puppy Keighley and we're happy to share the news with the local community, which came together to help us raise the money for him.

"We look forward to seeing Keighley in the spring and following his journey to becoming a life-changing guide dog."

Mr Manley handed over a £5,000 cheque to Guide Dogs in a ceremony at Town Hall Square, Keighley, in December.

Also, he revealed that thanks to the overwhelming response to the campaign, fundraising efforts were well on their way towards paying for a second puppy.

Guide Dogs would like to hear from any groups, companies or individuals interested in supporting a puppy through its first stage of training.

The charity also provides speakers, who visit schools and workplaces.

Visit guidedogs.org.uk or e-mail charlotte.walton@guidedogs.org.uk for more details.