SHOPPERS visiting The Mall, Middlesbrough, during the school holidays this week are able to take time out to meet some of the heroes of the canine world - working guide dogs.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is using the area opposite the BHS coffee shop, near the Corporation Road entrance of The Mall, for a fundraising week until Sunday. Guide dogs and their owners are popping in to support the event.

The association is also be selling its branded goods, bric-a-brac, crafts and running a tombola. Val Hydes, secretary of the Middlesbrough fundraising branch, who is registered blind and was going along with her dog Zoe, said: “Last year we had a great week and raised more than £5,000.”

source: gazzettelive.co.uk