TRAINEE guide dogs are continuing their training thanks to a local bus company.
When the latest lockdown restrictions were announced charity Guide Dogs stopped using public transport to train dogs in a bid to keep staff and the public safe.
But as all trainee guide dogs need to get used to using buses, it meant some have been unable to progress with their training.
The Guide Dogs’ team in Leamington put out an appeal to local bus companies – and Stagecoach offered the use of their out of service buses at their Leamington depot.
Trainers are now able to use the empty buses, one person at a time and with strict hygiene measures in place.
Charity spokesman Graham Kensett said: “We’re extremely grateful to Stagecoach for allowing us to use their bus depot to train our future guide dogs.
“Learning to travel on a bus calmly and confidently is an important part of any guide dogs’ training, helping to prepare them for their future role as a life-changing guide.
“Having access to these empty buses provided by Stagecoach means our trainers and dogs can work in a safe environment and we can continue to provide our essential services to people with sight loss.”
Stagecoach Leamington operations manager Chris Rouse said: “We care about the community we serve and are delighted to help ensure this vital training continues.
“Guide Dogs provide such an important role in helping to transform someone’s life, we jumped at the chance to do our bit to support them.”
