YOUNGSTERS at Bolton Muslim Girls’ School have been giving up hundreds of hours of their time to support Guide Dogs for the Blind.

And the project has proved such a success that the charity is now keen to continue its strong links with the school.

Sana Sodawala, Sultanah Khan and Maimunah Satti, all aged 16, worked with the dogs and helped out with admin work at the training centre in Atherton.

It was part of the school’s Kidhmat programme which allows Year 11 pupils to work in the community each Friday morning for about six months.

The girls were involved with all aspects of work, from answering telephone calls and doing paperwork, to cleaning out the kennels and grooming the dogs.

Bushra Kamal, the school’s information, advice and guidance officer, said: “Learners at BMGS were more than happy to volunteer at the Guide Dogs and be part of the amazing work that they do.

“They have developed as individuals and in terms of leadership, planning, organisation, confidence, interpersonal skills and empathy. The support received from the Guide Dogs has been outstanding and we wish to sustain this relationship for years to come.”

Volunteer Maimunah said: “I feel I’m very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such wonderful people who make such a big difference to society and peoples’ lives.”

Janet Harper, Guide Dogs regional volunteering adviser, said: “The project has been very successful and we are going to continue to work with the school.”

National Volunteers Week runs from June 1 to 7 and Bolton Guide Dogs for the Blind is appealing for puppy walkers to provide fulltime care for guide dogs. Call 0845 371 7771 or email volunteer@ guidedogs.org.uk.