A BLIND woman in Blackburn received a new guide dog for her birthday.

Lynn Williams was partnered with guide dog Tessa in time for her birthday in May, after her previous dog died unexpectedly.

This left Mrs Williams struggling without a guide dog for four months. She said: "I did have long cane training, but it wasn't the same as having a guide dog. It was restricting me sometimes, and I wasn't as confident.

"Although friends helped me a lot, with a guide dog I can visit friends myself."

Mrs Williams, who has been blind for 48 years, was introduced to Tessa in April at her home. The pair enjoyed a successful walk, and after training together, qualified as a match.

Since then, they have enjoyed going to the gym together, visiting family, going for long walks, and other various social activities. After meeting Tessa, Mrs Williams said: "It was great. I've had guide dogs before, but each dog is different, and she's lovely.

"It can take a year to fully bond, Tessa is getting to know my routine, like where I go for my social visits. You've got to build it up, and we're getting there.

“When I am walking with my long cane I feel blind. When I am walking with my guide dog I feel free. I would like to thank all the staff and volunteers at Guide Dogs who have helped me make this partnership possible, especially my instructor Charlotte Maden who trained us together.”

The charity Guide Dogs help those with sight loss to be able to have all the freedom they desire with the help of guide dogs. Young puppies are trained until they are old enough to accompany someone with sight loss to be independent.