THE memory of a Dalgety Bay puppy-walker will live on in the name of one of the Guide Dog Association’s latest recruits.

Six-week-old yellow Labrador Innes has been named after volunteer Tom Innes, who worked tirelessly for the charity before his death last May.

The special name came about after the charity’s West Fife fundraising group raised £5,000 which allowed them to choose what the pup should be called.

Tom’s wife, Irene, was touched and delighted with the honour.

“Tom was with the Guide Dogs for eight years after he retired – we walked eight puppies and every one was a success,” she explained.

“He died last year and the group decided to name a puppy after Tom and the money was raised within six months and this is how Innes arrived.

“The idea of calling him Innes came up and it really suits him.”

For just over a year, Innes will be walked by one of Irene’s fellow puppy-walkers who will train him before he will go off for more formal tuition.

“At 14 months, he will be taken away to Forfar where he will go into training to be a guide dog and that is when he gets his harness. After that, we will be told if he qualifies,” added Irene.

Guide Dog Association community fundraising development officer Anne Rowse said: “Our West Fife volunteer fundraising group have done an incredible thing by naming this guide dog puppy to recognise the outstanding work of their fellow volunteer and fundraiser Tom Innes,” she said.

The £5,000 was raised through a range of events from groups including schools, Brownies and hospitals.

“We rely on donations to continue our life-changing work and to raise £5,000 is simply wonderful,” added Anne. “The kind support of this amazing group of people will allow us to make a life-changing difference to people with sight loss.”