GUIDE dogs set their sights on some real-life "train-ing" when they took a trip on the Severn Valley Railway.

Dozens of pedigree chums sent staff barking mad when they hounded them to ride the rails.

But it was all for a good cause as the trip was organised as a thank-you to volunteers who care for labrador, retriever and german shepherd puppies before they are trained by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

The charity's puppy walking supervisor David Mackay said: "We thought a day out on the Severn Valley Railway would be a nice way of expressing our gratitude to those who foster our puppies in the area.

"They are the people that walk the puppies and give them the stable upbringing and basic obedience training they need during their first year before they go off to Guide Dog Training Centre."

Railway marketing manager John Leach said ticket fees had been waived.

He said: "I think we've all got a soft spot for animals so it was nice to say welcome on board."