A DOG trainer who took his labrador on a 900-mile walk to publicise his charity, is looking for teams of fundraisers to help set up a dog training centre.

Ian Young and his labrador, Sally, completed the trek from Germany to Chester-le-Street, County Durham, last August.

Sally was found severely injured by the roadside and was rescued and trained by Mr Young on behalf of the International Service Dog Fund.

Mr Young is now hoping to train other abandoned or unwanted dogs for the charity, so the animals can work with disabled or elderly people.

He is also planning to develop an education programme, teaching responsible dog ownership, social responsibility and disability issues to students.

But Mr Young first needs to set up a committee to hold fundraising events that will cover the cost of training.

Mr Young's mother, Ruth, is helping with the project and said they were also looking for a property to rent in the region, where Mr Young could live and train two dogs in a domestic environment.

She said: "Our programme is designed to help solve the problems that can occur when a dog with a working temperament is repeatedly rehomed because of its need for mental stimulation. We ask, 'what is the dog good at?' rather than 'what do I need this dog to do?'

"But Ian can't train the dogs until he has the premises. We also really need something like a fundraising committee."

Mr Young will train the dogs to meet whatever needs their future owner has, from alerting people to ringing phones to taking them their medication at certain times.

Anyone who would like to help can contact Ruth or Ian Young on 0191-388 6156.