CHILDREN at Chawson First School had an exciting visit recently from a guide dog puppy in training.

Children from reception and year one welcomed in Ruth Oliver who works as a volunteer dog walker for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and her 18 week old retriever puppy Bryony.

A series of workshops where people were blindfolded, also gave the youngsters an idea of how much they depended on their sight in everyday life, and how important guide dogs were for blind people, challenging them to use a white stick, pour a glass of water, into a cup, and try to draw a picture or write their name, all whilst blindfolded.

Four-year-old Alex Collins, said: “It was hard trying to do things with a blindfold on when you couldn’t see.”

Trudy Purser who works at the school, added: “They were absolutely mesmerised by it. Each class went in and had a go at all the things she’d set up, and they really learned a lot.”

Bryony is planning to make a return visit to the school in the summer, before she heads off for formal guide dog training.