FUTURE guide dogs have found their very own freedom of the city - thanks to a York bus company.

First York has offered to allow puppy trainers, holding a special pass, to ride for free on their services in and around the city of York.

There are currently six volunteers in York who train guide dog puppies for up to 12 months before they are sent to a guide dog training school.

Sue Chapman, who has trained guide dog puppies for ten years and is currently training her tenth puppy, said that using the buses would be an invaluable part of their training.

"I take our dogs on the bus at least once a week to get them used to it.

"The dogs need to get used to all the types of places that blind and partially sighted people go, whether it's shops, trains or buses," she said.

Helen Chapman, head of marketing at First York, was more than happy to help.

"We were asked if we could help get puppies accustomed to bus travel by allowing puppy walkers access to the buses.

"These dogs, once trained, will give blind and partially sighted people freedom which they wouldn't otherwise have," she said.

The dogs, aged between six weeks and 12 months old, are of various breeds that include Retrievers, cross-Labradors, German Shepherds and Collie cross-Retrievers.

When they reach 12 months old the dogs are sent to a local guide dog centre where they receive their final training before being matched to a blind or partially sighted person.

Guide Dogs for the Blind is currently looking for suitable people to temporarily care for guide dog puppies.

If you are interested in becoming a puppy walker ring Guide Dogs for the Blind on 01642 232666 and ask for the puppy walking manager.

Updated: 10:19 Saturday, February 10, 2001