A LABRADOR puppy has been adopted by a group of "lions." Seven-week-old Elsa is being trained as a guide dog, thanks to sponsorship from the Northfleet, Swanscombe and Greenhithe Lions Club.

Lions Club member Clive Bushell and wife, Margaret, are established walkers for the Guide Dogs for the Blind and Elsa is the fifth pup they have taken on.

As her trainers, Clive and Margaret will take Elsa virtually everywhere with them, including shopping, on buses and trains, restaurants, walking in the town and places like Bluewater, to get her used to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

It costs approximately £27,500 to fully train a puppy to the point of being able to safely guide a blind or partially-sighted person and the Lions Club has donated £5,000 to help cover the cost.