VISITORS to a fun day at a kennels will see how abandoned dogs and strays can help disabled people.

Ian Young, of Chester-le-Street, has set up the International Service Dog Fund to train dogs to perform tasks that people with disabilities cannot do.

He will demonstrate how his work can make a difference at the open day at the Deerness Kennels, Mill Road, Langley Moor, on Friday.

The event is being staged by the kennels and Durham City Council, whose wardens collect strays, to promote responsible ownership.

The kennels is home to collected strays, which are put down if they are not claimed.

Mr Young takes dogs, normally strays or from shelters, and trains them to become service dogs.

He said: "At the moment I am training a Labrador cross called Ceilidh. She was a stray but has the perfect temperament to become a service dog and help someone in their life.

"The lady who will get Ceilidh is wheelchair-bound and wants her to help retrieve anything she drops.

"Also I will train her to pull the emergency cord in the house if the lady is in difficulty."

Mr Young will be at the kennels with two of his dogs, who will give a display to visitors, and will talk about the fund's work and give help with any dog training problems.

The free event will be held from 10am to 4pm.