The Bude and Launcells dog training group has found new premises for their regular Wednesday evening training sessions. As of last week, April 15, the dogs have joined the fun at Harlequinns, Bude, next to the Splash leisure pool.

Dog trainer Kathleen Adams said: "We used the Bude Women's Institute Hall for many years and when that closed it was very hard to find a suitable alternative venue. We have been holding our training classes in Poundstock Parish Hall for the last seven months but we've never given up trying to find somewhere in Bude itself."

Kathleen was initially sceptical about using Harlequinns. "When it was first suggested that we try the room above the bowling alley I couldn't see how it could work. In fact it is one of the best venues we've had and I would like to thank the management at Harlequinns for helping us. There is plenty of car parking and the room itself has all the space we need. We even have a separate entrance to the building so there's no danger of the dogs chasing the bowling balls down the alley!"

Kathleen has been running dog training classes for over twenty years. She explained: "We are a non-profit making group. Everyone who helps gives their time free of charge. All the money we make from the training sessions, sponsored walks or other fund raising goes to charity. Our main charity is Guide Dogs for the Blind but we have donated many thousands to other good causes including Shelter­box and various animal welfare organisations."

The group promotes responsible dog ownership along the lines of the highly successful Kennel Club Dog Good Citizen scheme. Kevin Colwill, a regular at the training sessions, added: "We're not about turning out Crufts style obedience or agility champions but we do use simple obedience and agility training techniques to ­produce well behaved ­family dogs."

At the moment the group run three training classes from 6.30pm on Wednesday evenings, one for puppies, one for experienced dogs and one for those dogs that need more individual help. All are welcome but please contact the dog training group on 01288 353185 and not just turn up on the night!