YOUNGSTERS from north Durham have been learning about the valuable work of guide dogs.

Pupils from Shotley Bridge Junior School, near Consett, had a visit from Lee Gourley, who is blind, and his dog Terry.

Mr Gourley’s two sons, George and Oscar, are pupils there and their schoolmates were able to find out more about his condition at a special open day last month.

Today (Thursday, April 25) Mr Gourley and Pippa Turner, a fundraiser from Guide Dogs for the Blind, returned to collect over £300 raised for the charity by the school.

Dr Helen Cardy, headteacher, said: “It has raised the children’s awareness of people who are partially sighted or blind and the difference dogs make to their lives.

“They really enjoyed the day and the questions they asked were fantastic.”