THE GUIDE Dogs charity is hoping to recruit volunteers at this year's Burley-in-Wharfedale Summer Festival.

The tenth anniversary event begins on Saturday, August 18 and runs through to Bank Holiday Monday, August 27.

The festival's opening day will include a Fun Dog Show which takes place on the Recreation Ground, off Main Street, from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

The show will include all kinds of classes, including Golden Oldie, young Handlers, Cheekiest Puppy, and Dog Most Like Its Owner, and prizes for all the winners.

There will also be Terrier Racing, a Doggy Chill Out Zone, and a musical display plus a tournament games arena featuring The Tailwaggers Team.

Guide Dogs is supporting the event and will be bringing along some pups and trained dogs of its own to demonstrate how they can help people with sight loss.

The charity will be selling merchandise, too, and giving out information on how to sponsor a puppy or get involved in local volunteering or fundraising.

Co-ordinator of the Ilkley Guide Dogs support branch, Andrew Barton, said: "Events like these are so important to raise awareness and funds for the charity, and we are immensely grateful to Skippers Pet Products for providing us with samples to include in our prize bags.

"If you are coming to the dog show do come and talk to us and find out about the amazing work that Guide Dogs do.

"We'd be delighted to answer any questions you might have."

Registration for the dog show starts at 9.45am on the day and costs £1.50 per entry.

As well as general volunteers, meanwhile, Guide Dogs is also on the lookout for people in Wharfedale to train as community sighted My Guides.

The role involves guiding people with sight loss to help them get out of their homes and back into the community.

Volunteering Consultant for Guide Dogs in Leeds, Ruth Wood, said: "Contrary to popular opinion, volunteering for Guide Dogs is not just about standing outside a supermarket with a collection bucket.

"Each group runs its own events which are many and varied and can be great fun and a good way to make new friends.

"The same applies to anyone interested in becoming a My Guide volunteer.

"Full training is given, at the end of which you will have the confidence to safely guide people across the road, onto a bus, up or down steps and so on.

"The time commitment for either role is entirely flexible and just a couple of hours a week can make a massive difference to someone else’s life."

To find out more call Ruth on 0345 1430210 or send an e-mail to ruth.wood@guidedogs.org.uk .

For the full schedule of Burley Summer Festival events visit www.burleysummerfestival.org .