The new purpose-built school replaces the charity's existing Bolton training facility which has been in operation for nearly 50 years.

With its state-of-the-art welfare facilities and outstanding training areas, it will ensure that trainee guide dogs are fully prepared for today's busy streets and complex towns.

The new centre will enable Guide Dogs to train an increased number of happy, healthy, high-quality guide dogs to provide a life-transforming level of independence and confidence to thousands of blind and partially-sighted people across the UK.

It is hoped that around 30 per cent more guide dogs will be trained at Atherton taking the total a year for the North West from around 260 to about 345.

A £650,000 fund-raising appeal to help equip the new Guide Dog Training School Atherton launched in October has already raised more than £18,000 which will help to fund internal living and training environments and equipment to provide the best in mental and physical stimulation, such as the latest in kennel design, indoor training areas, a vet centre, observation rooms, outside play areas, play toys, blankets, dog bowls and much more.

The official stone laying ceremony at the new Guide Dog Training Centre in Atherton was performed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP.
He was joined by guide dog owners and puppy walkers at the ceremony to celebrate the building of the brand new world-class North West Guide Dog Training School, in Gibfield Park Avenue, last month.

A few examples of what a donation could provide at the new Atherton Guide Dog Training School:

l £1,000: Specialised playtime areas for learning and enjoyment – a series of mazes, tunnels and exercise ramps to stimulate and interest the dogs when they are not training

l £2,500: Wash areas with non-slip tiled shower trays that ensure dogs' health, hygiene and safety

l £5,000: Safe training areas for young dogs, free from distractions, or a simulated kitchen/lounge for observing dog behaviour

l £10,000: A state-of-the-art kennel

Guide Dogs' operations director Stephen Kirk said: "The new facilities and space will allow us to produce better quality dogs to suit the individual needs of more clients, 77 years on from the day the first four guide dogs in the UK qualified in the Wallasey area of the North West."

Guide Dogs hope to reach the £650,000 appeal target for the early summer 2009 opening of the new facility.

The Leigh Reporter and our sister title the Wigan Evening Post is asking individuals, groups, schools, organisations and corporate companies to support our own appeal. Email wendy.moss@lancspublications.co.uk with your plans or ideas.