A hard-working guide dog was treated to a pampering yesterday.

Her owner, 77-year-old Lilly Smith, bought the treat for Cora, a black labrador, during a charity auction.

But after hearing the dog's story, a woman came forward to cover the £75 cost.

Cora was taken to K-9 Klassy Kuts, a dog salon at Sadberge dog kennels, near Darlington, for a two-hour pamper session.

Mrs Smith, of Thornaby, near Stockton, bid for the treat during tfm radio's auction in aid of Make a Child Smile, a charity that helps underprivileged and ill children.

However, when the story was broadcast, Karen Murphy, also of Thornaby, offered to pay.

After six-year-old Cora's special treat, Mrs Smith, a widow who has been blind since 1972, said: "I've had her for four-and-a-half years and she is absolutely lovely. We're very close. She's had a great day and smells lovely. I'm just so pleased to be able to do something for her."