THE MP for North West Hampshire was recently given a tour of the town with a twist – led by Johnny the trainee guide dog.

Kit Malthouse took part in a blindfolded walk through Andover on Friday, July 19, organised by the charity Guide Dogs and with the aim of highlighting issues faced by people with sight loss.

Mr Malthouse was joined by Test Valley Borough and Hampshire County Councillor Kirsty North, with the pair taking turns to navigate parts of the town centre with Johnny’s guidance.

The walk drew attention to the importance of kerbs, tactile paving and controlled crossings, all of which are crucial in helping blind and partially sighted people, and their guide dogs, to get around safely.

Johnny also led Mr Malthouse and Cllr North to the small cones found on the bottom of stopping boxes at controlled crossing.

Mobility Instructor Roberto and MyGuide Volunteer Manager Laura explained how these devices are used to alert those with sight loss to the fact that the green man is showing and it is therefore safe to cross the road.

Potentially dangerous areas were also highlighted, such as the pedestrianised walkway at the top of the high street which merges onto the main road without any tactile paving or warning for the blind and partially sighted.

Speaking after the walk, Mr Malthouse said: “It was great to meet Johnny who helped me get through a rather unnerving experience in Andover.

“Well trained guide dogs like Johnny can play a massive role in helping blind and partially sighted people navigate around town as can good design when it comes to kerbs, crossing and pavings.”