A guide dog who "changed the life" of a blind Oldbury man has received national recognition.

Leo, who lives on Windsor Road with his owner Alex Tansley-Stitt, was highly commended as part of the BBC Breakfast Guide Dog of Year Awards 2007.

The labrador retriever was nominated in the Life Changing category of the awards, which recognise the work of the UK's 4,600 guide dogs.

Alex, who works in a gym, said Leo's arrival had made a big difference to his everyday life.

He said: "Leo is my first guide dog and he really has changed my life.

"I do have some sight and never used to use a cane to walk on the pavement, now I wonder how I managed without him."