DOGS for the Disabled is on the hunt for volunteers to look after future assistance dogs.

The charity want people in south Bucks to take up the challenge to care for labrador and golden retriever puppies that will eventually grow up to help disabled people.

Puppy socialisers look after the young dogs during their first year, giving them plenty of love, life experience and basic obedience training.

The one-year-old dog will then start their assistance dog training at the National Training Centre in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

The national charity creates partnerships between disabled people and dogs to give the benefits of freedom and independence.

Diane Adams, puppy co-ordinator, said: "Looking after a puppy is an extremely rewarding experience. Our puppy socialisers take a dog into all the places that our partnerships will go to when they are working, from the train station, to visits to the local supermarket, to picking up the children from school and even to the hairdressers."

All costs for the puppy are paid by the charity and include food and vets bills.

Call Dogs for the Disabled on 08700 776600 and select Puppy Socialising or email info@dogsforthedisabled.org for more information