THE Clarke Foley art class welcomed Wilbur, a 14-month old guide dog in training, at their meeting last month.

Having a guide dog as a model was the brainchild of Jackie, a member of the art class and also a volunteer for Guide Dogs.

Barbara Davy the class tutor said: “This was a first for us. Wilbur was the perfect model. Tall, dark and handsome he posed beautifully, sat perfectly still and quiet, and presented his profile when asked. His behaviour was perfect and he really endeared himself to all the class. It was a very successful event and one that we hope to repeat later in the year. Several members of the class donated their drawings to Guide Dogs to be auctioned later.”

Wilbur, accompanied by his handler Jean, was introduced to the class by Andrew Barton, co-ordinator of the Ilkley branch of Guide Dogs.

Andrew said: “ It was a really good event and something we had never thought of doing before. Jackie came up with idea at one of our group meetings as something different for the art class to draw whilst at the same time hopefully raising some much needed funds for the charity. Wilbur was an absolute star and we are very grateful to the artists who donated their work. As well as raising the profile of Guide Dogs we collected £92.61, an excellent result."

During a break from sittings, members of the class were able to peruse and buy Guide Dogs merchandise and to find our more about the fundraising work of the Ilkley Group group.