TEN labrador puppies pose for a photocall ahead of an intensive training scheme which will see them become guide dogs.

The cute canines will be trained in Bolton by the Guide Dogs Association before being allocated to blind or partially-sighted people.

Staff at Specsavers in Victoria Square, Bolton, are well on the way to raising the £7,500 needed to buy and train one of the pups, after launching an appeal in October.

Staff have been fundraising and holding monthly competitions, and customers have made donations as they went for eye tests.

The campaign has raised more than £6,000.

Store director Stephen Waller said: "We'd like to thank all of our customers who have been so kind in helping us get closer to our target.

"Having a dog supply unit in the town, we often see puppies in training on the street and know how important they are to blind and partially-sighted people in Bolton."

In a final push to reach their target, staff are preparing for a sponsored sky dive.

Anyone who would like to donate to the Specsavers puppy campaign can do so by calling into the store or calling 01204 521122.