Blue Peter has a long and happy relationship with Guide Dogs;
pictured here former presenter Valerie Singleton cuddling a young cadet!

Blue Peter celebrates the 75th anniversary of the first guide dogs in the UK with nationwide Bark in the Park events

Blue Peter and Guide Dogs are rekindling their famous relationship to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first guide dogs in the UK. They will be staging six fun-packed Blue Peter Bark in the Park events across the UK on Sunday 28 May 2006.

Each Bark in the Park will make a fantastic day out for the whole family – with or without a dog in tow – featuring thrilling displays and fun entertainment for all ages. The events will focus on a three-mile sponsored walk, which participants (two-legged, four-legged and even virtual!) can enter on the day or in advance by visiting www.guidedogs.org.uk/barkinthepark or calling 0845 307 0 307.

The vital money raised by the sponsored walk will help to ensure that more visually-impaired people can benefit from the independence and freedom that guide dogs provide.

Blue Peter Bark in the Park venues confirmed are: Pollok Country House and Park, Glasgow; Heaton Park, Manchester; Blaise Castle, Bristol; Gloucester Park, Basildon, Essex; Castle Ward, Belfast; and Fonmon Castle, Cardiff. There will be a Blue Peter presenter at each of the events.

The Blue Peter Bark in the Park will be launched on the popular CBBC programme, supported online by a dedicated website, use the latest mobile technology and culminate in an entire Blue Peter dedicated to the event and the reasons behind it.