GUIDE dog puppy Star has taken another big step forward today - with the issue of her very first blue coat.

GUIDE dog puppy Star has taken another big step forward today - with the issue of her very first blue coat.

It means the young pup is now officially in training for the vital role she will play in life as the eyes of a blind or visually-impaired person.

It also means when she is out and about people should no longer make a fuss of her and her “celebrity” appearances will have to be a bit more serious in future.

Now over six months old, she is no longer the tiny, cuddly pup, but growing fast and learning new things quickly.

Penny Parker, who is looking after Star for her first year, said: “Her supervisor took her out on her own the other day and everything went really well - she got a great report.

“She does need to be doing something new every day and we must keep doing all the things we have done so she gets really used to them.

“It is lovely to see her in her own blue coat - she is now officially a guide dog in training.

“It also means when she is out and about people shouldn't mob her and keep coming up and petting her willy-nilly.

“She is now a training dog and when she is out she is working.”

N To donate to the appeal, please send cheques - made payable to the Guide Dogs - to Richard Cornwell, Evening Star, 172 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7DU.