THE Office for National Statistics (ONS) in Newport has named its own guide dog in training after raising £5,000 for Guide Dogs Cymru.

The puppy, named Hero, paid staff at the ONS a visit earlier this week.

A spokeswoman for the ONS said the £5,000 raised are paying for Hero’s first year of training, as he learns to become socially well behaved, friendly and responsive to his handler.

Dave Vowles, of the ONS, said: “Staff were delighted to fund Hero’s early training. In our work and our community involvement, it’s great to do things that make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Frank Greig, community fundraiser for Guide Dogs Cymru, said: “Hero is already learning some of the skills he will need to become a full-time companion for a blind or partially sighted person in the future."

He Added: "All staff at ONS in Newport can be proud of his progress.”

According to his four-month puppy progress report, Hero has a “gentle character with huge personality and settles well in public places”.

“He plays very well with other dogs and is very polite when greeting them,” it says. “His mischievous side also comes out at home, where he likes to try and grab one of his puppy walkers’ shoes and run off with it.”