ONE of Bolton's best known partnerships has split up . . . due to retirement.

Forget Morecambe and Wise and Cannon and Ball, this pair were just as well loved throughout the fundraising circles of the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

They even proved a knockout with former boxing world champion Chris Eubank.

However, their decision to go their separate ways is now bound to set tongues - and particularly tails - wagging.

The pair in question are local Guide Dog for the Blind Association member, Ray Hodkinson, and his guide dog Barney.

After 10 years with one another, Barney has decided to put his paws up and relax with a local family. The labrador was a constant companion to Ray, 63, of Enfield Close, Bolton, who told the BEN: "He was the first guide dog I ever had and he changed my life."

Ray was blinded in 1982 after suffering a brain haemorrhage. He was trained with Barney in Bolton's regional centre.

He said: "I remember I was quite apprehensive at first. But having Barney with me was wonderful in every way. He is a very, very friendly dog and a great companion to me.

"I used to work in Salford and every day he would take me there on the bus, remain with me in the office throughout the day and then bring me back home again.

"He never put a foot wrong." In addition to Ray's colleagues, family and friends, Barney also won the heart of boxer, Chris Eubank, who met him during a fundraising campaign.

Ray said: "He immediately fell in love with Barney and has written through the RNIB to me since. I will be letting him know that Barney has retired."

Ray is now too old to re-train with another guide dog, but says the value of having the animal around is "second to none".

He said: "Since Barney has left, I do get to visit him, but my life is not quite the same.

"I have to rely on people now and find I stay in for days on end."

Anyone interested in helping boost funds for the Bolton Guide Dog Training Centre can see the work undertaken there first hand at a gala day on June 14 at Lowndes Street, Bolton.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.