ANYONE who has wrestled with the frustration of trying to teach a dog obedience must surely sympathise with Mary Griffiths.

The owner of Rye Boarding Kennels is staging a sponsored stay with her two dogs - in the busy centre of Helmsley Market Place.

Four year-old Dempsey and seven-year-old Spike will be told to stay by Mary while she walks off.

The longer they do stay without being distracted, the more money Mary will raise for the Blue Cross animal rescue service.

"Dempsey was a rescue dog which I got from the Blue Cross - he was badly abused and has scars," she said.

"Both dogs have been in training, but on the day I don't know how they'll perform. Hopefully they won't be too distracted by shoppers and passers-by."

The two dogs will be told to stay in a roped-off area in the market place today.

Updated: 10:57 Saturday, November 03, 2001