DOG-lovers across north Shropshire are being asked to come forward and volunteer to be a guide dog trainer.

Volunteer puppy raisers are a vital link in the chain of dog socialisation and training, providing the puppy with a vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog.

Raising a guide dog is a full-time commitment, but Sarah King, volunteer coordinator for Guide Dogs Shrewsbury says the rewards are huge.

She said: "It's really exciting to be able to offer this opportunity to people living in north Shropshire.

"We need some new puppy raisers and would love to hear from anyone who think they could take on the role.

"A lot of our puppy raisers work part time or are newly retired – they say it's one of the best things they have done, it keeps them fit and means meeting lots of new people when they go out and about.

"It can be demanding – anyone who has ever had a pup in the house will tell you that – but also enormous fun."

Becoming a volunteer puppy raiser means familiarising the puppy with many different environments, teaching basic obedience commands and attending monthly puppy classes.

If you would like to know more contact sarah.king@guidedogs.org.uk