Guide dogs are wanted to help mark a special date.

The Thanet and Canterbury branch of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association celebrates its silver jubilee this year and chairman and secretary Hiliary Johnson has been challenged to pull off a special stunt for the occasion.

In less than 25 hours, she must get together in one spot 25 guide dogs, a 25-year-old and a couple who have been wed for 25 years.

They will join the branch birthday party at Asda in Broadstairs on Saturday June 7 where EastEnders star Shaun Williamson is expected to join the celebrations along with Thanet MPs Roger Gale and Steve Ladyman and the mayors of Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Margate.

Mrs Johnson, of Dane Valley, already has a number of dogs lined up but needs more.

They can include retired guide dogs, puppies in training or even dogs initially earmarked for the job but who then did not meet the stringent requirements.

Mrs Johnson said: “We believe all visually impaired people have a right to freedom and independance which is what we are all about. It costs £10 a day to breed, train and care for a guide dog and the need for funds is constant.”

BLOB: If you can help Mrs Johnson with her challenge, call her on 01843 299327.

For full story, see the Thanet Extra, out now.