BOLTON tax office workers handed over a cheque as they said a sad farewell to one of the most popular members of staff.

And he responded by giving them a lick on the nose!

Ralph, the golden retriever, has been tax office telephonist Spencer Cobley's guide dog for the past nine years.

But at the age of 11, Ralph has already done longer service than most other guide dogs for the blind and he has retired.

Instead of the usual retirement presentation, staff at the Stone Cross House offices in Churchgate had a whip round and presented Ralph and Spencer with a cheque for the Bolton Guide Dogs for the Blind training centre.

Spencer, 39, who lives in Tyldesley, trained there with Ralph. Now Spencer is training with a new young dog, Zest, and is hoping to get him used to his new work environment in Bolton town centre over the next few weeks.

"Ralph has been a wonderful guide dog and he has his own fan club here. People often stop to give him a pat when they pass the switchboard room," said Spencer. "But he's an old man now and he's slowing down."

Ralph will spend his retirement with Spencer's mother, Mrs Sylvia Cobley and her two cats at Warrington.