AN 82-year-old Leyland woman is still leading the way for her four legged friends, 25 years after she set up a charity to rehome boxer dogs.

Marjorie Burnett, of Oakfield Drive, began rehoming boxers in the 1970s with her late husband Stan.

The couple shared a passion for the breed and lived in a spacious property in Leyland Lane where they had kennels for their own dogs as well as those they took in.

After several years Marjorie decided to branch out and set up the charity, North West County Boxer Welfare, in 1979.

Over the years both the police and animal welfare charity, the RSPCA, have called on Marjorie to find homes for stray or mistreated boxer dogs.

"We've had some very sad sights," said the grandmother-of-four. One of the boxers, Misty, has just died."

"She was blind after being abused and didn't survive long after her surgery.

"It's very sad but at least we know she had a good end to her life. I love the dogs, they have given me so much happiness over the years.

"I've trained them as well and won a reserve challenge certificate at Crufts with a boxer called Student Prince."

Thirteen years ago Stan died and Marjorie moved to her present home and could no longer keep the dogs at home.

But, as treasurer for the charity, Marjorie now rents kennels to continue her match-making to find caring owners for boxer dogs in need.

"There are a bank of people who regularly take in the dogs and we are always looking for more," she said.

Now, to raise money for the charity, people are being invited to join a Morecambe Bay Walk with their dogs, on Saturday, June 28.

"The vets bills and kennels are really quite costly and any funds would be very much appreciated," said Marjorie.

To find out more call Marjorie on 01772-421946.