Mulberry Hall, York's famous china and dining ware specialist has commissioned a highly collectable pair of Herend dog figurines in a bid to raise more than £5,000 for Guide Dogs For The Blind.

If the Stonegate store hits its target, the cash will provide enough money to train, name and place a guide dog with a York resident.

Adam Sinclair, Mulberry Hall's managing director, has commissioned the figures in black and brown to coincide with its major exhibition of porcelain from the Hungarian porcelain manufacturer. They will cost £275 each or £525 for the pair.

Mr Sinclair said: "It's not often I welcome dogs en masse into a shop brimful of the finest crystal and china. But Mulberry Hall offers the largest collection of Herend porcelain in the UK and we're thrilled that by commissioning this figurine, we can raise some really valuable funds for Guide Dogs For The Blind.

"The labrador is closely identified with Guide Dogs For The Blind, which is why we're delighted to give a proportion of the sale proceeds to this hardworking charity."

The shop received a special thank you from guide dog owner John Turnbull, of York, and his dog, Monty.

Like all the distinctive wares from Herend, the labrador will be entirely handmade and hand painted, featuring the much-loved VH (Vieux Herend) pattern. They will be decorated either in brown and white and 24 carat gold or in black, white and platinum. The intricate process involves several separate firings, a thorough knowledge of the age-old technique - and a steady hand. In fact, only women are permitted to paint the "fishscale" pattern that adorns the animal miniatures, because men are not considered patient enough.

Only 500 Herend Labradors will be made - not many, when you consider the strength of feeling among the fanbase of keen collectors.

The porcelain to be used is described by Herend's general director Attila Simon as "our white gold".

Mr Sinclair said: "Much as we love our own real-life dogs, a Mulberry Hall Herend Labrador really is a gift for life, as well as being a timeless piece of excellence you can pass on to future generations. What's more, it's less expensive than a decent pedigree puppy and it will cost you a damn sight less in Pedigree Chum."