A GUIDE dog who is an honorary member of Burnley Miners Club has been granted a ‘retirement party’ by stewards.

Demi is a familiar face at the Plumbe Street venue, having been given her own card just over three years ago.

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But now Demi, after 12 years service for owner Ann Kay, is about to take a well-earned rest.

And with Ann’s input, her supporters at the club are planning a fond farewell to the lovable Labrador.

Club steward Alan Kennedy said: “She is a wonderful dog and is very popular here at the club. There will be sandwiches and a retirement cake and some suitable snacks for Demi.”

Demi and Ann are often accompanied to Monday get-togethers at the Miners by Uska and her owner Brenda Midgeley.

It is hoped that Demi’s original puppy walker will be able to attend the celebration from Liverpool, alongside representatives from Guide Dogs for the Blind in Manchester.

Pupils from Year Six at nearby St Peter’s CE Primary School are also getting in on the act by designing their own retirement cards in honour of the star guest.

Head Teacher Catherine Greenwood added: “The winning design will be selected on the day.”

Club regulars already have firm ties with the guide dogs movement, having previously raised the £5,000 required to train their own puppy back in October 2012.

And Ann and Brenda joined club patrons in 2013 as they toured hostelries across the Fulledge and Turf Moor areas as part of a major fundraising trek, a campaign which which also included an appeal day at the football club.

The young recruit was eventually named ‘Bene’, after the Miners’ favourite tipple, Benedictine, and the club is now on its way to raising £5,000 towards funding its second guide dog puppy.