Guide dogs sniff out shopping perils

SIX labrador puppies were guided around The Foundry shopping mall in Scunthorpe yesterday, as part of National Guide Dog Week.

Their job was to sniff out any problems visually-impaired people might face while out shopping.

Once fully trained, they will provide an essential service to the blind.

But dogs were not the only ones leading the way yesterday.

Members of the guide dog training team volunteered to help train staff at The Foundry about the needs of shoppers who cannot see properly.

Pat Stark (80), of Stanley Road, Scunthorpe, suffers from peripheral vision – a long-term form of blindness.

Her guide dog Wendy has been by her side for the last four years and has helped her gain confidence.

Sam Bradley, district fundraiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: "This year's campaign is aimed at educating people about the best and safest way to guide visually-impaired people, including guide dog owners around busy places such as shopping malls.

"We want the general public to go away knowing a little more about the organisation."