Bus drivers in north Wales are backing Guide Dogs Cymru this month by holding a series of on-board collections.

Arriva Buses Wales has placed collection buckets on 100 of its vehicles, many of them “talking” buses, which feature audio-visual announcements to help blind and partially sighted passengers to travel safely and confidently.

Customers are being invited to put money in the buckets, with all donations going towards Arriva’s bid to name a second guide dog puppy.

Their first, Riva, was a big hit when he visited staff wearing his distinctive blue puppy jacket.

The two-year-old yellow Labrador has since been chosen as a stud dog, with the potential to father a future generation of guide dog puppies.

Jacquie Hughes-Jones, community fundraiser for Guide Dogs Cymru, said: “It costs £5,000 to name a guide dog puppy, and we’re confident that October’s on-board collections will see Arriva reach their target once again. We look forward to finding out which name they choose for the new puppy.

“Arriva in north Wales has been a great supporter of Guide Dogs and people with varying degrees of sight loss. It has already equipped much of its fleet with audio-visual announcements, and we know from our feedback that these have improved the experience of bus travel for passengers, including elderly people, commuters and tourists.”

To support this month’s Guide Dogs Appeal, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/pups-to-partnerships or make an on-board donation.

See this week’s north editions, in shops and online on Thursday