A CHARITY providing guide dogs for the blind and partially-sighted is calling for volunteers in the St Albans area to help it step up its fundraising campaigns.

The 80-year-old organisation, Guide Dogs, offers it services for free, and pledges to provide its beneficiaries with guide dogs for life.

The charity said it was desperately reliant on people’s generosity to continue with their work.

Bucket-shaking out on the street and volunteering as a “puppy walker” are just two of the ways people can help the charity which at present breeds 1,500 puppies a year.

Guide Dogs volunteer in St Albans, Emma Webster, said: “Since becoming a volunteer with Guide Dogs I have become involved with a variety of fundraising activities and had the opportunity to work with friendly, like-minded people.

“I work in marketing and it’s incredibly rewarding to transfer those skills into a charitable cause.

“By volunteering for Guide Dogs you’ll be helping to make a huge difference to the lives of blind and partially-sighted people.”

For more information visit www.guidedogs.org.uk or telephone 0118 983 5555.