Animal lovers are needed by the charity guide Dog UK to raise guide dog puppies in the St Albans and Harpenden areas.

Andrew Eldridge, Volunteering Consultant for Guide Dogs: said: "We are looking for special people who can help us train and socialise our puppies from 6-7 weeks old to 12-14 months, after which time they go on to our Training School where they receive professional training from our dedicated staff.

"We breed around 1,500 puppies every year and the work our volunteers do with them in their early life is crucial to the success of our guide dogs going on to make a dramatic difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people."

There are around 180,000 people in the UK who currently don’t leave their homes due to sight loss and Mr Eldridge added: "We at Guide Dogs will not rest until we have fulfilled our mission to ensure blind and partially sighted people enjoy the same independent lives as everyone else."

Volunteers are supported by a designated staff member with training in place in addition to food, bills and all expenses being met by Guide Dogs.

The charity ensures all its dogs are well looked after, arranging all their welfare and well-being for life, including into their retirement.

Mr Eldridge said: "It requires quite a commitment to become a puppy walker but it is also hugely rewarding."

If you think you may be able to offer a home to a Guide Dog UK puppy and be involved with its early training, contact 0845 371 7771 or email volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk.

Further information can be found at www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppywalking