KIND-hearted Worcestershire people are being called upon to provide homes for the guide dogs of the future.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has launched an appeal for volunteers to provide homes for the charity's brood-bitches, which breed the next generation of guide dogs.

Judy Bird of Fernhill Heath, near Worcester, has been a volunteer for five years and cares for Onyx, a black Labrador, who currently has a litter of seven puppies.

"I like dogs and it is a very worthwhile thing to do," said Mrs Bird. "At times it is hard work but it is good fun and very rewarding."

The puppies are usually born at her home in The Derries, and she looks after them for the first six weeks, before they are returned to the Guide Dogs Breeding Centre in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, from where they are sent to centres around the country.

She admits to feeling a little sad when puppies leave but she realises how important the dogs are to helping blind and partially-sighted people.

"They go out to puppy walkers who take care of them and give them social training for the first 12 months.

"After that, they go back to the centre and do their formal training," said Mrs Bird.

Erica Cromack, from the Guide Dogs' Breeding Centre, said their volunteer brood-bitch holders will have the reward of knowing they are playing a major part in rearing the next generation of guide dogs, as well as having the companionship of the dog and its puppies.

"You don't have to be experienced in dog breeding, and Guide Dogs' staff will provide plenty of help to first-time breeders.

"We're looking for calm and caring people, ideally who have a second person living with them who can provide assistance where needed," said Ms Cromack.

The charity ensures that a member of its specialist team is on hand to oversee the birth of the litter, and to pay all food and any veterinary bills.

Anyone who wishes to know more about becoming a brood bitch holder can contact Ms Cromack on 01926 651226.