AFTER seven and a half years Hector the guide dog is retiring from duty but owner Stephen

Hartley from Tavistock is not the only one who will miss him.

'Hector is a real socialite, he knows most people in town and always stops to say hello even when he is supposed to be working,' said Stephen jokingly.

Hector, a labrador red fox, is going to a good home, and Alfie, a 21-month-old black labrador cross is taking his place as Stephen's guide dog.

Stephen, who has been blind for nine years, said the social aspects of having Hector were tremendous. 'Before, I just had my white cane and people tended not to speak to me because they thought I was concentrating so hard,' he said.

'Hector and I have been through a lot together but I take comfort knowing that he is happy and healthy and he is off for a good life by the seaside in Newquay.'