A PARTIALLY-sighted man from Keighley will take his guide dog for a walk with a difference when he tackles the Yorkshire Three Peaks next month.

Laurie Manley and his guide dog Umber will set off from Horton in Ribblesdale on July 24 to complete the full 24-mile route to raise cash for Guide Dogs UK.

Last year Mr Manley, 67, managed the gruelling feat of trekking for two days non-stop along the 80-mile Dales Way route, accompanied by Umber for part of the way.

He said this time the plan is for Umber to finish the whole Three Peaks journey, though he will be pulled out if it does prove too much for him.

Mr Manley said: "I'm getting him trained up but Umber's wellbeing is paramount so at the first sign of any distress he'll be pulled out of the walk.

"He has managed about 15 to 16 miles before.

"Umber only gets a 'free run' out once a week because the rest of the time he's working and plodding the streets with me."

Umber, who is now four years old, is a flat coat golden retriever cross.

His normal role involves him guiding North Dean Avenue resident Mr Manley around local streets.

Mr Manley is completely blind in one eye and only has very limited vision in his other eye, but thanks to Umber he is still able to remain active.

He has been registered as severely sight-impaired since 1995 following sight problems in his early life.

He stressed that anyone who wants to join him on his Three Peaks challenge is welcome to contact him.

Mr Manley said the walk would begin at 7.30am on July 24 and other participants will be free to choose whether they complete one, two or all three peaks.

"If we can raise £5,000, which is quite a big total, then I'll have the chance to name a new guide dog puppy," he explained.

"I'd like to name it Keighley if he is male and Keighley – pronounced 'Keeley' – if she is female.

"I'm asking for local business to get on board and make donations or sponsorship, and I'll be doing some bucket collections around town to help try and reach this £5,000 total. Every little bit helps.

"I really want to get the town on-side with this. I already have about 20 people who should be coming along on the walk with me."

People interested in taking part can call 01535 661349 to contact Mr Manley.

They can follow Umber's progress on the Umber Manley Facebook page, or contribute to the fundraising online by entering "Umber Manley" into the Just Giving website.