THE charity Guide Dogs for the Blind says there is a shortage of volunteer puppy walkers in County Durham.

Walkers care for and educate guide dog pups up to the age of a year, when they begin specialised training.

Supervisor Kathryn Settrey said: "At the end of the day, if we don't have puppy walkers, we don't have guide dogs."

For more information, call (01642) 670170.