VALE MP Alun Cairns will earn the honour of is naming a guide dog puppy if he raises £2,500 in London Marathon sponsorship this year.

Mr Cairns, who will be running the 26.2 mile race for the charity, will also get to meet the puppy and follow its progress as it trains to become a fully-fledged guide dog if he If he doubles that to £5,000.

Mr Cairns has been a strong supporter of Guide Dogs throughout his time as Vale MP.

He undertook a blindfold walk in Dinas Powys to experience at first hand the dangers posed by vehicles parked on pavements, last year.

And he took a blindfold bus ride to promote the charity's campaign for audible announcements on buses and highlighted the plight of assistance dog owners who are illegally refused access to taxis.

The charity said it was delighted when the MP named Guide Dogs as one of two charities to benefit from his, alongside the Dementia Revolution.

Guide Dogs Cymru engagement manager, Andrea Gordon said: "Alun has always been proactive in

his support for our charity and understands the problems faced by people who are blind or partially sighted.

“A guide dog brings independence, confidence and mobility, and can really change your life.

"We hope puppy power will help him regain his title as the fastest MP to run the London Marathon, and we look forward to revealing his choice of name – Barry, perhaps?”

Mr Cairns said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Guide Dogs over the years and I’m

really encouraged by this gesture of support. It will no doubt provide an added boost as I’m approaching the finish line.

“I’m very grateful to anyone who can support my fundraising campaign, which will go a long way towards helping Guide Dogs deliver the vitally important work that they do.”

To help reach the target, visit virginmoneygiving.com/aluncairns