Irvine residents are being urged to support the guide dogs charity by becoming puppy walkers.

Guide Dogs Ayrshire branch held a puppy training session in the Volunteer Rooms this month – and are also urging residents to become fundraising coordinators.

Volunteer puppy walkers provide the full-time care and education of a puppy from seven weeks old until they are between 12 and 14 months old. The puppies then return to Guide Dogs to begin formal training.

To become a puppy walker, volunteers will need to be home for the majority of the day and be able to take their puppy into many varied environments, have access to a car and a securely fenced garden. Training and support provided by Guide Dogs.

Emma Brown of Guide Dogs Scotland said: “Puppy walkers play an absolutely vital role, providing the early socialisation and education of our guide dogs. The aim is to ensure the puppy is socially well behaved, friendly and responsive to the handler. It’s also important the puppy is at ease in different environments, including towns, cafes and on public transport.

Irvine West Cllr Scott Gallacher said: “The Ayrshire branch are always on the lookout for volunteers, and at this particular point in time, they are looking for local fund raising coordinators in particular.”

To volunteer visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer, phone: 0118 983 8123 or email glasgow@guidedogs.org.uk