GUIDE Dogs for the Blind gained two new canine companions with the help of the Water Research Council this week.

Swindon Guide Dogs for the Blind have welcomed puppies in training Snowdon and Hero to their organisation.

And employees from the Water Research Council, based in Frankland Road, got the chance to meet one of the newest recruits, five-month-old Snowdon.

The Water Research Council selected Swindon Guide Dogs as their charity of the year and raised more than £10,000 for the cause. This enabled them to name two guide dog puppies and fund their training for a year.

Employees sat at their desk did a double-take as they were greeted by the playful pup who took a shine to WRC chief executive Mark Smith.

The golden Labrador retriever puppies will embark upon a 15-17 month journey which will see them train as a life-changing companion for a blind or partially sighted person.

Snowdon and Hero’s names were selected by WRC employees who also held fundraising events to smash their £5,000 target.

Frances Smith, HR director at WRC said: “The Swindon Guide Dogs' team came into our offices with the dogs and explained what guide dogs do and how they are trained and it really struck a chord with all of us,” she said.

“It’s such a worthy cause and we are delighted to be helping the guide dogs train two more puppies.

"We’ve all loved meeting Snowdon today and it does make you realise just how much of a difference this little dog will make to someone’s life one day.”

Hero will be linked to Isambard Community School with the playful pup visiting the school for demonstrations in the coming months.

Chairman of Swindon Guide Dogs, Alan Fletcher, who attended with his assistance dog Nutmeg, said: “It’s so great to have the support of the WRC, and to have the welcome news that we’re getting two instead of one guide dogs.

“They change people’s lives, they give independence that everyone has the right to have.”

Hero, who was born on March 16, will be placed with his puppy walker this week with WRC staff getting to meet the perfect pooch in three months time.

To find out more about Swindon Guide Dogs or to donate email fletcas@sky.com or search for Swindon Guide Dogs on Facebook.