Around 50 dogs and their owners went 'walkies' through Pembrokeshire countryside and coast on Saturday to help Canine Partners, a charity which provides assistance dogs for people with disabilities.

And they were delighted to see a Canine Partners-trained dog in action, when golden retriever Morgan accompanied his owner, Ann Eales, at the side of her electric wheelchair.

"He's my constant companion and a real life-saver," said 58-year-old Anne, who has nerve damage to her left side and arthritis in her feet.

"Before I had Morgan, I was at home all day, while my husband was at work and the children were at school. I was depressed, and was afraid to move or go out on my own, in case I fell or just couldn't manage.

"But having Morgan has made me much more secure, and he's made me friends wherever I go."

Anne drives to the shops around her home in Three Crosses, Swansea, where people are astonished to see eight-year-old Morgan - wearing his official Canine Partners purple jacket - assisting her in the supermarket by selecting goods from the shelves.

At home, he helps her on and off with clothes, fetches items from upstairs, picks up dropped clothes pegs as she hangs out the washing will even bring the phone if Anne feels unwell and needs to make an emergency call.

"Most importantly, he has been trained to help me get up from the ground if I have a fall," said Anne, who gave a demonstration of Morgan's skills during Saturday's walk through Colby Woodland Garden and woods, across the dog-friendly section of Amroth beach and then onto The New Inn, Amroth, for a drink stop.

The Bluebell Walk was one of a number taking place throughout the UK to raise funds for Canine Partners, and was organised locally by Sarah Ellis and Jenny Thomas.

Last year's walk raised more than £950, and they are hoping to go over the £1,000 mark this year.

Said Sarah: "It was a delight having Ann and Morgan with us to help the walkers and passers-by understand what Canine Partners actually do. Several people had passed the walkers and dogs with their purple bandanas and were wondering what was happening. To see Ann with Morgan by her side in his purple jacket, it was almost self-explanatory, and after a brief chat they were more than happy to put a donation in the box."

Added Jenny: "Ann is an inspiration for us all. So many people just do not know how dogs, and other animals, can enhance our lives. Hopefully, the walk promoted dogs and dog owners in a good light for a change!"

To find out more about Canine Partners, visit http://www.caninepartners.co.uk">www.caninepartners.co.uk