CWMBRAN vicar Mike Endicott has a special helper to "lead" him into the paths of righteousness.

That's because when the Reverend Endicott wants to get to the pulpit to preach, he relies on his guide dog, Yates.

Mr Endicott, 57, who runs The Well Centre in Pontnewydd, is blind - and relies on Yates to get him around.

And the seven-and-a-half years old Labrador retriever leads him from the front door to the pulpit and back without a hitch.

Mr Endicott said: "I've been blind for the last ten years and Yates is my first dog - I've had him six years.

"My sister's been blind a lot longer than I have and she pestered me to get a dog for months. I thought it would be extra work but it was a very good decision.

"They've got to match you up with a dog in terms of your needs, and your size and weight; because I'm a big fellow so they couldn't give me a toy poodle.

"They come and see you and spend a couple of hours with you finding out what you're after - I wanted a dog that could keep quiet for long periods - and they even took a photo of me.

"Then they just turned up at the house with him, and they got it right first time. He's black, but he's got a few grey hairs coming through - like my hair.

"There's four weeks training to start with but the understanding deepens over the years.

"Before I had him I wouldn't have got out of the house on my own. Now he and I travel freely all over Wales, England and Scotland.

"From his point of view, I know where there are steps or street furniture - any obstacle like that at all - just from the way he moves his harness."

Mr Endicott runs The Well Centre, Station Road, Pontnewydd, a centre of prayer for people who have been physically or emotionally damaged.

* Mr Endicott has written two books, Trust Yates and Find The Way, about his experiences with his guide dog.