WHEN former HGV driver Alan Hirst was struck down by blindness he had to be pushed into having a guide dog.

Now 16 years on he wouldn't be without one.

And 55-years-old father-of-two Alan is backing the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association appeal for spare time fund raisers and dog walkers to help other sightless people form a dream team.

Alan, of Garrett Hall Road, Mosley Common, was still behind the wheel when he was diagnosed with diabetes.

He carried on working with the condition until it started to affect his sight. Then he was forced out of his cab and into warehouse work.

He had this job for just four days when he suffered a severe haemorrhage which affected his eyes and forced him to give up that career.

Two years later he took a job at Wigan Metro's Workshops for the Disabled making pallets - but was diagnosed with angina and forced into retirement.

Since then Alan has helped to publicise the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association work.

A Tyldesley Salvation Army member. he was talked into having a dog 13 years ago by wife, Maureen.

He said: "I was against it at first. I had been behind a wheel for so many years I was determined I wasn't going to end up walking behind a dog.

"She convinced me it would give me more freedom and it certainly does. There are still restrictions but the bonus is the companionship they give. I'd be lost without one now."

Brian got his first dog, Illis, 13 years ago and they were together until at the age of 11 he was retired and went to live in Wales.

He said: "Illis was a good worker and stayed with me for longer than average, but he had a happy four years not having to be someone's eyes."

Then along came his second dog, Nigel, now five years old and a different personality altogether.

Brian said: "The dogs are picked to suit your personality. Illis was a quick walker and was always ready to go out as soon as he heard the lead rattle.

"With him you had to go out whether you felt like it or not.

"Nigel is different altogether. With the onset of angina my speed and distance was seriously affected, so when the time came for me to get my second dog I was matched with Nigel who is a plodder.

"He's not bothered whether he goes out or not. His attitude is I don't have to go out do I, I'd rather stay in bed where it's warm."

Brian recently took Nigel along to a coffee morning at Kingsleigh Methodist Church, Leigh, which raised £135 for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

The group is a registered charity which relies entirely on voluntary contributions.

It has come a long way since it was formed in 1934 at Wallasey. The regional centre opened in Bolton in 1961 where funds are always needed to help more blind people rebuild their lives.

But guide dogs need friends too, and the association's fund raising development officer, Rod Arthern, is appealing to local groups as well as individuals to become the friend of a friend.

It costs £2,500 to sponsor a guide dog and owner partnership, but 65p will feed a dog for a day, £4 buys grooming equipment, £18 pays for a lead and chain, £40 provides a harness, £250 the breeding of a guide dog puppy, £500 covers puppy walking and £1,000 goes towards basic training.

These costs can be covered by anyone from pubs, clubs, groups or individuals organising fun-draising events like raffles, quizzes or auctions.

Guide dogs have always been a source of fascination for children and the group welcomes the chance to work with them.

It will arrange for a guide dog owner to visit schools or for school visits to training centres. Videos and films are also available on free loan and can be used as part of the national curriculum.

There are many other ways of contributing like making a tax free donation, leaving a legacy, becoming a sighted holiday guide, selling raffle tickets, getting a guide dogs' credit card and even sending for a copy of the Christmas dogalogue.

Anyone wishing to help in any way can contact Rod at the Bolton centre by writing to him at Guide Dogs for the Blind North West, Nuffield House, Lowndes Street, Bolton, BL1 4QA. Tel 01204 492534.