FORMER Home Secretary David Blunkett has been reunited with the guide dog which served him faithfully for 10 years.

The dog, Lucy, retired to Bolton two years ago after a decade of being Blunkett's faithful companion in the House of Commons.

And within seconds of seeing the MP, the black labrador jumped up and down with joy.

The pair met at the proposed site for a new guide dog training centre in Atherton which, subject to planning permission, will replace the existing premises in Heaton.

Lucy, aged 13, was joined by half-sister Sadie, Mr Blunkett's present guide dog, aged four.

Trainer Val Woolrich was also at the meeting. She trained both dogs in Bolton and has looked after Lucy since the guide dog stepped down from politics two years ago.

Mr Blunkett said he was delighted to be reunited with Lucy, who had been such an important part of his life for a decade. He said: "Lucy has a particular place in my heart and I've missed her so much.

"For any blind person, a guide dog is essential to their life. For me, Lucy was really important and enabled me to go to work as a politician."

Mrs Woolrich said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to see Mr Blunkett. I know he is delighted to have met Lucy again. It has meant so much to him."

Mr Blunkett was joined by Leigh MP Andy Burnham to tour the proposed site for the guide dog centre in Gibfield Park. The centre will replace the existing guide dog centre in Lowndes Street, Heaton, and would become a flagship centre for the charity in the North, creating 117 jobs.

The centre will feature the latest in kennel design, indoor and outdoor training facilities, and visitor viewing areas for the association's fund raising and volunteer support in the region.

The centre would also become a focal point for the charity's puppy walkers and would be used for puppy training classes, educational seminars and the induction of new volunteers.

Mr Blunkett said: "It's a really important development that will bring regeneration, new life, education and jobs to Atherton. I am very pleased to launch this particular development."

Mr Burnham said: "This development will put Atherton on the map. For the association to place one of their guide dog centres in Atherton is a massive boost for the local economy."