VOLUNTEERS have been working hard to ensure they can mark the 35th anniversary of Guide Dogs for the Blind in Darlington next year.

Members of the local branch were out in force in the town centre on Saturday for their annual collection day and took the opportunity to raise awareness of what the charity does for visually impaired people.

Norma Hildon, who was among the volunteers on the stall at the weekend, said: "Next year our branch is 35 years old and we are working hard to mark the occasion. We still have one of the founder members working with us, Jean Robson, who is the chairman of the group now, helped to set the group up.

"Saturday was our annual collection day but it is getting harder and harder to raise money each year, so we need to get across the message about what we do for local people."

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Darlington branch or wants to attend one of their monthly meeting on the second Monday of the month should call Norma Hildon on 07977-493768.