FIREFIGHTERS in Northwich have been helping guide dogs-in-training build their confidence around emergency service personnel.

In a joint initiative with the Guide Dogs charity, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service staff have been working with the charity's training team to provide puppies with valuable exposure to the sights, sounds and experience of fire service.

For one of the training sessions, guide dog puppies Indigo, Meg and Stevie were welcomed at the town's fire station to take part in various exercises, helping them feel comfortable around fire equipment. 

Indigo, a nine-month-old black Labrador cross, Meg, a five-month-old yellow Labrador cross, and Stevie, a one-year-old Labradoodle, benefitted from the experience.

Lisa Cooper, puppy development advisor for Guide Dogs, said: "Reflective and hi-viz clothing, as well as helmets and breathing apparatus that obscure people's faces, can be scary for pups.

"Introducing them gradually means we can build positive associations and avoid any fears developing.  

"Being able to take our time and do everything at each individual puppy’s pace meant that we were able to create those positive experiences around the noises and sights of fire engines, fire equipment, and uniform.

"This is invaluable for our pups to go on to be confident guide dogs of the future."

Starting their journey with a puppy raiser as early as eight weeks old before they start their formal guide dog training, these puppies will eventually serve as life-changing companions for people with sight loss.

The collaborative training with the fire service is one of many steps taken to ensure the puppies are prepared to confidently face the wide variety of challenges they might encounter in everyday life, including emergencies.

The fire service's area manager Steve McCormick, head of prevention and protection, said: "We’re thrilled to partner with Guide Dogs to help these remarkable puppies prepare for their future roles supporting people in the community.

"The service will continue to support this essential work, which ultimately protects everyone’s safety in an emergency.

"Our firefighters thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to connect with and support our communities in a truly meaningful way."

For more information about Guide Dogs and how you can support their work, visit guidedogs.org.uk.