Ribble Valley pupils in for a treat as BBC Sport and Channel 4 presenter Clare Balding visits Westholme School

BBC Sport and Channel 4 presenter Clare Balding will make a special appearance at the Croston Theatre at Westholme School in Blackburn next Wednesday, starting at 7pm.

Clare will introduce her new book Isle of Dogs, which explores the many roles man’s best friend fulfils.

“I have always been fascinated by the impact dogs have on our lives and the way they have shaped Britain across the centuries. In my book, I explore the characteristics of our favourite breeds and why we are drawn to them and what they bring out in us.”

During her fact-finding journey across Britain, she witnessed dogs performing all kinds of functions, sometimes lifesaving, occasionally crime-solving and often simply providing companionship to those most in need.

Clare said the dogs that pulled at her heart strings the most were at Dogs for Good – where they were being trained from a young age for a full-time career helping people most in need.

“These dogs can open doors, load a washing machine, call a lift, help someone get dressed or undressed, pick up and bring necessary items and most of all sense when a human needs comfort or support when they are anxious.”

While Clare’s travels were able to confirm that we are a nation of dog lovers, she also sadly discovered that huge numbers of dogs are in rescue centres.

“There are more dogs in this situation than ever before in our history. We should be more responsible about where we source our dogs and how to spot irresponsible breeders or puppy farms.

“But, I was pleased to find that more holiday homes, hotels, and restaurants are dog friendly and that more employers are realising the benefit of having a dog-friendly workspace as well as schools using dogs to help children with reading or to provide a confidence boost.”

Clare studied English at Cambridge before becoming a trainee sports reporter at the BBC as well as a successful amateur jockey.

Her radio and TV career took off and since the late 1990s she has worked at seven Olympic and six Paralympic Games and well as multiple Commonwealth Games and Winter Olympics.

For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clare-balding-talks-about-isle-of-dogs-my-canine-adventure-through-britain-tickets-726984699807?aff=ebdsoporgprofile