THE newest member of York Lions Club has set tongues and tails wagging after being sworn in at a ceremony.

Nina the guide dog is now a full member of the York branch of the international charity organisation and was presented with her very own York Lions coat by the district governor.

The three-year-old golden retriever/German shepherd cross will join her owner Brian Smith, on all Lions business.

Mr Smith, 69, took ownership of Nina, his eighth guide dog, last year and she now lives at his home in Dringhouses.

“My last dog used to attend meetings with me and come out on fundraising events,” he explained. “He retired and I got Nina in November. The branch president asked if I would be prepared for her to wear a coat and become a full member.”

Mr Smith said Nina was presented with her new Lions jacket by district governor, Cyril Goodridge during a swearing-in ceremony.

“It was the first time he had ever presented anything to a dog and he said it was a change,” said Mr Smith.

Club president, Tony Moore, added: “Nina is an extension of Brian, so when Brian goes out on Lions business, Nina does too and should be represented as such.

“Brian is a very valued member because he is able to give a different perspective on things to the other members.”

Mr Smith, who is also president of York Blind And Partially-Sighted Society and chairman of the York branch of Guide Dogs For The Blind fundraising group, said Nina’s help was invaluable.

“I would be lost without a guide dog,” he said. “Life would be half the pace it is now and I would have to use a stick.

“I have to know where I’m going and Nina gets me there – we are a working unit.”

Nina, however, seems decidedly unimpressed by the latest honour bestowed on her.

“Once she had been presented with her new jacket she just laid down under the table, yawned and went to sleep,” said Mr Smith.