THOUSANDS of people across Huddersfield have met her.

She's stood outside local supermarkets, garden centres and pet shops for the last six years, collecting for the Tia Greyhound Rescue charity.

But now, aged 10, she's retiring - Bessie the greyhound is hanging up her collecting tin and handing over the lead to fellow greyhound, three-year-old Peggy.

Both Bessie and Peggy belong to Tia greyhound fundraiser Susan Dawson, of Meltham.

She said: "Briefly Bessie was born in Ireland in 1993. She had probably been raced on "flapping" (unlicensed) greyhound tracks in England.

"Picked up as a stray in Barnsley, she was due to be destroyed when Tia Greyhound Rescue stepped in. Bessie was in a terrible state. She was emaciated, had mange and had recently had a litter of pups.

"I met Bessie when I responded to an Examiner advert from Tia requesting help to walk the dogs. On our frequent visits we soon fell in love with Bessie and she came to live with us after Christmas 1997."

Together Susan and Bessie have collected £100s for Tia.

"Most weekends we have collected outside supermarkets, pet shops, gardens and in the town centres of Huddersfield, Holmfirth and Dewsbury. So many people have stroked and cuddled Bessie, she is very well known.

"In recent months she has begun to find the long days collecting a little tiring, even though she still loves all the attention. Greyhounds are wonderful with children and I always admited the way Bessie would stand and allow children to cuddle her.

"Our other greyhound Peggy, who was also rescued by Tia, has now taken over from Bessie to perform fundraising duties."

Susan said greyhounds do make wonderful pets and around 70 to 80 are always available for rehoming at the Tia kennels in Sowerby Bridge.

To find out more about Tia Greyhound Rescue, ring 07974 960684 or take a look at the website at www.tiagreyhoundtrust.org