DOBSON has become the most popular member of his class since starting at Rivington and Blackrod High School this term.

It may have something to do with his big brown eyes and his golden locks . . . for Dobson is a guide dog belonging to teacher Derek Heyes.

Dobson is Mr Heyes' first guide dog and every day accompanies him to school and sits in class while his master teaches history and business studies to sixth formers.

He spends most of his time dozing and Mr Heyes - a well-known quiz expert who is a former BBC Brain of Sport - says Dobson is unlikely to be entered in any exams.

But other than that he is a model student and Mr Heyes gives him nine out of 10 for behaviour and obedience.

He said: "He is very good with the children and they like him.

"When they meet him for the first time I encourage them to pat and fuss him.

"He loves coming to school in the morning because all his pals are here."

Mr Heyes has been blind for nearly 40 years but has never owned a guide dog. His wife Jayne, who is also blind, has had three dogs.

Before Dobson, Mr Heyes got around using a stick but feels more confident with the dog.

"I think the main difference is the smoothness of getting around when he is working well. It's almost like floating."

Mr Heyes has to be careful that Dobson doesn't eat any rubbish he finds on the floor and this is where the pupils come in useful and warn him when this happens.

So far Dobson has swallowed a £5 note, some coins, pieces of concrete and the serial number from a £10 note.

The teacher does a weekly radio quiz on GMR and Dobson, a cross Labrador/Retriever, goes with him to the Manchester studio.

"The first time in the studio I suddenly had the feeling that he might start chewing the wires," he said.

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