Low-fare airline Ryanair has given guide dog owners a ticket for take-off.

The Stansted-based carrier has signed up to the Guide Dog Travel Charter, which means full assistance will be given to anyone travelling with a guide dog on Ryanair's Ireland-UK and UK domestic flights.

Walkies - Siobhan O'Neill, deputy-head of Ryanair's customer services, (left) receives the Golden Ticket from Watson and his owner Debbie Moss(centre), and Julie Duncomb, deputy matron for Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (right)

Launched in 2002 by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA) as part of its Access for All campaign, the charter is a good-practice guide.

It encourages transport operators to sign up and to ensure their staff are familiar with the needs of blind and partially-sighted people.

Last Thursday Ryanair was presented with a golden ticket and a copy of the charter to mark its commitment. Geraldine Peacock, chief executive of GDBA, commented: "We are delighted that Ryanair has signed up to the charter."

Published Tuesday, June 17, 2003

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