A HAMPSHIRE bus firm is helping to train a guide dog puppy by offering some vital travel experience across its network.

Operator Morebus is providing seven-month-old Milo and his trainer Sarah Whitbread from Ringwood free travel on its services.

That will give the pup a chance to get used to hopping on-and-off buses.

Sarah said: “I’m a volunteer with Guide Dogs for the Blind, and will be training Milo until the end of the year.

“We are based in Ringwood and I’ve been asked to take Milo onto the next part of his training – which involves negotiating public transport.

“I asked Morebus whether they could allow me to hop on-and-off with Milo without having to pay any fares, as I’m a volunteer – and they were only too pleased to help.

“It’ll make a huge difference, not only to me and to our training - but also to whoever has their life transformed by Milo when he completes his time with us.”

Nikki Honer, head of communications at Morebus, added: “It is important to us that our buses are accessible to all – and we understand the issues faced by those who are partially sighted when they travel by bus.

“They rely heavily on these special dogs to help them go about their daily lives, and we are delighted to be able to help Milo get used to hopping on board with us.

“We wish him and Sarah all the very best with his training.”

For more information about becoming a volunteer guide dog puppy trainer, visit guidedogs.org.uk/puppywalking or call 0345 143 0191