A DISABLED woman is bidding to raise enough money to build a specialist training centre for support dogs.

Denise Berry, of Holmestrand Avenue, Burnley, suffers from osteoarthritis, heart disease and diabetes and has been a wheelchair user for more than 10 years, and says her support dog, cocker spaniel Marble is her lifeline and her best friend.

The clever six-year-old dog is trained for 'unconscious alert', meaning in the event of Denise passing out he can press a lifeline phone to a monitoring centre or go and get somebody to help.

He can also turn his paw to washing, taking clothing out of the machine and passing pegs to Denise, 53. Marble also helps her get undressed and can undo shoelaces.

Now Denise, who says she couldn't imagine life without Marble, wants other disabled people to enjoy a better quality of life too.

Marble, a MAD DAD, or Medical Assistance and Disability Assistance Dog was trained in Sheffield, the only such centre in easy reach of East Lancashire. The centre teaches both owners and their Support Dogs together and also trains SAD - Seizure Alert Dogs - who spring into action before a person suffers an epileptic fit.

But the lease on the premises will soon be up, prompting Denise to launch her fundraising bid for a replacement centre.

Denise has already raised thousands of pounds for support dogs over the years. She has held garden parties, coffee mornings and other events to swell the centre's coffers.

Now Denise says she is willing to go and talk to groups and organisations about their work in a bid to raise both cash and awareness about the animals, and is also hoping to attract sponsors to back the centre.

Denise said:" Marble is the love of my life and my lifeline. I cannot manage without him. He is my soul mate and best friend and listens to all my sorrows and joys. We go everywhere together."

Anyone who wants to help Denise raise money, or invite her to give a talk, can call her on 01282 448160.