A GUIDE dog owner walking along the Tarka Trail footpath will stop in Okehampton next month, and is hoping to raise enough money to sponsor a guide dog to offer increased independence to another blind person.

Tilly Trotter, 69, from Tiverton, is undertaking the Tarka Trail Challenge with her dog Dalby to raise funds for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

She will set off from Barnstaple on Sunday, August 17. Dog and owner expect to arrive in Petrockstowe the following evening.

From Petrockstowe, Tilly will walk to Hatherleigh, where she will stay overnight, before walking on to Okehampton on Wednesday, August 20.

On Thursday, Tilly will spend a rest day in Okehampton. Next day, she sets off on the trail again to reach North Tawton.

Tilly will complete the 160-mile figure of eight trail, which passes through both Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, by returning to Barnstaple just over a fortnight after setting off.

Tilly and Dalby will be accompanied by Grant and Kevin, both 14, who will act as sighted guides. They will be walking an average of eleven miles a day.

Tilly said: ?My guide dog Dalby has revolutionised my life. It costs £10 a day to breed, train and support each guide dog and there are nearly 5,000 guide dog partnerships in the UK, so every penny and walker can make a real difference.

?I will be 70 in October and I want to help others to benefit in the same way I have.?

Tilly is appealing to walkers in Okehampton and the surrounding areas to pick up a sponsorship form and join her for one or more of the days.

More information and sponsorship forms are available from Jenny Letten or Marie Densham on 01392 219778.