Guide Dogs charity is urgently appealing for volunteers to support the blind and partially sighted residents in and around Penrith and Carlisle.

With it costing around £55,000 to train and support a guide dog partnership throughout the dog and owner’s life, charity Guide Dogs is appealing for new volunteers to sign up as fundraisers.

READ MORE: Carlisle man's guide dog changed his life

Hannah Laidlaw, volunteering coordinator for Guide Dogs for the area, said: "Our fundraisers not only raise awareness of our services, but they raise the vital funds needed to deliver support to people living with sight loss.

"Being a fundraiser means you get to be a part of a fantastic group of really friendly volunteers, doing activities together to help raise money for Guide Dogs.

"It’s a sociable role and the hours are really flexible – you can help as much or as little as you want to."