MORE than 50 families from the Vale and North Cotswolds volunteered to be foster carers for guide dogs following an appeal in the Journal.

Karen Butler, local boarding co-ordinator for the charity Guide Dogs, said she was amazed and delighted by the level of response.

"It was great - and very unexpected - how many people got in touch with offers of help, we were quite overwhelmed by the response to the article in the Journal."

Families and individuals joining the fostering scheme have dogs delivered to their homes for short periods while the blind or disabled owners of the animals are in hospital or on holiday.

A couple from Elmley Castle, Maureen and Bob Bourne, already take in dogs and say the scheme is one of the best things they have ever been involved in.

Following an article about the couple dozens of people jammed the Guide Dogs switchboard in Worcester asking for more information.

Karen said that the task of processing all the applications was still going on.

"We have sent application forms to 98 per cent of the people who applied and are working hard to get them all sent out as soon as possible."

She added that those not chosen to be foster carers still had many opportunities to help the charity.

"We don't like to disappoint people but we've had so many responses from the Vale and the North Cotswolds that not everyone will have the chance to look after dogs.

"But we always need drivers, fundraisers and puppy walkers - there are many other ways people can help us."

For more information about volunteering with Guide Dogs call Karen Butler on 01905 332911.