YOUNGSTERS who raised vital funds for guide dogs were thanked by a special visitor to their school.

Greg the guide dog and his owner Derek dropped in to thank pupils at Horwich St Catherine’s Primary School for raising money for the Guide Dogs.

Last year the school council set itself the task of raising enough money to name a new guide dog.

Although teachers thought it might take several years to raise the £1,500 needed to secure dog naming rights, pupils smashed their target by raising £1,700 in just five months.

The children raised the money through a series of events including a school pyjama party and a 90 person sponsored sleepover.

Head teacher, Karen Graham said: “It’s incredible that the children have raised so much money, so quickly and it’s testament to their dedication, that when they say they are going to do something, they do it.

“They are all so excited at the prospect of naming of their own guide dog.”

Although the school is not sure when the guide dog it is naming will be born, pupils have already decided on the name Catherine.