STRETFORD and Urmston MP Kate Green took a blindfolded walk with a guide dog to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by blind and partially sighted people last week.

She walked with a guide dog in training, two year old Inca, on the residential streets around Victoria Park.

Kate was helped out by guide dogs engagement officer, Emma Allen-Taylor, who talked her through how Inca would respond to her and what to expect on the walk.

Guide Dogs attended Scrufts community dog show, hosted by the Friends of Victoria Park and Kate recently.

Ms Green said: “It was an incredible experience to take part in a blindfold walk around the park.

“Even with a lovely dog like Inca to help me along, getting used to the feeling of the pavement and the noise of the traffic was really difficult when blindfolded.

“It made me realise first hand the huge challenges which blind and partially sighted people have to face every day.

“I would like to thank Guide Dogs for the Blind for giving me the opportunity to take part and I look forward to working with them again soon.”

Zoe Foster, engagement officer at Guide Dogs for the Blind, said, “Guide Dogs welcomes Kate’s support to promote safer streets and responsible dog ownership. Research has shown 10 Guide Dogs are attacked each month which has a devastating effect on both the guide dog and their owner.

“The blindfold walk helped to give Kate a small insight of just how complicated everyday life can be when faced with sight loss.

“Through responsible dog ownership and the new tougher dog laws that have recently come into place we hope to see the number of attacks reduce, tougher penalties being given and our streets becoming much safer place for all members of the community.”