Some of the cleverest dogs around will be meeting the public at this year’s Aberaeron Carnival.

On Monday, 26 August, Guide Dogs Cymru will have a stall at the carnival, where visitors can meet working dogs and their owners.

Among them will be Aberystwyth guide dog Richard, a black Labrador, and his 57-year-old owner Diane Lewis, who lost her sight after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Diane, who had worked as a hairdresser since she was 16, was registered blind and had to give up the job she loved.

“I could only go out if I had a carer with me,” she said. “Now, thanks to my guide dog, I can go to town every day.

“Richard has made lots of friends in Aberystwyth. They know him in the coffee shop, and he loves the craft shop because the owner gives him a treat.”

Richard is also proving popular at Aberystwyth University Students’ Union, where the Ceredigion Guide Dogs group runs regular canine calming sessions for stressed-out students.

“The students love him, and Richard enjoys the experience too,” Diane added.

“I’ve made lots of new friends through the group, but Richard is my best friend.”

To find out how you can help Guide Dogs in Ceredigion, email [email protected] or visit the Guide Dogs stand at Aberaeron Carnival.