A national organisation is calling on dog lovers in Keighley to help raise the guide dogs of the future.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has launched a new appeal for volunteers in Keighley to help raise pups.

The charity is short of volunteer puppy walkers, who care for and educate guide dog pups from six weeks of age for a period of 12 months, when they begin their specialised guide dog training at centres around the country.

The role of volunteers is to teach the young dogs basic obedience and get them used to a home environment, noise and the bustle of towns.

They prepare the animals for their working life ahead, which includes taking them on public transport including trains, buses and taxis.

Rita Farnsworth, 64, from East Morton, is one of the dedicated band of local volunteers who has already trained two pups and is now looking after six-month-old German Shepherd Mia and 10- month-old Golden Labrador Dora.

"It was always something I wanted to do because I love dogs and I love people," says Rita. "Some of my family members have gone blind as well, so I wanted to help out.

"When I was working full time I couldn't do it because the dogs can't be left for more than three hours on their own, but since I have retired I have had the time to devote to them.

"We have kept in touch with the owners of all of the dogs we have trained and it is so rewarding to see the puppy you had at seven-weeks-old with its owner, although it is sad when they leave.

"During shopping trips people are absolutely wonderful with the pups and are so interested in what you are doing. There is also a brilliant social side to it with regular meetings for walkers and their pups."

Puppy Walker supervisor Tracey Leigh explains: "It is essential that we have sufficient puppy walkers to begin training the next generation of guide dogs. At the end of the day if we don't have puppy walkers, we don't have guide dogs.

"Puppy walking is challenging and it is a commitment, but our volunteers find it extremely rewarding and worthwhile."

The charity supplies basic equipment and covers all veterinary and feeding expenses.

To become a puppy walker, volunteers will need to have access to a car and will have to be home for most of the day, as well as being free to take their puppy into many varied environments - sometimes busy and difficult.

Their yard or garden will also need to be securely fenced so that the puppy remains safely within its confines.

For more information on becoming a puppy walker, contact Guide Dogs' West Yorkshire office on 0113 275 6326 or log-on to its website: www.guidedogs.org.uk.