A dog harness is an essential piece of equipment for one blind man from Northern Ireland, according to a report.

Eugene Kelly relies on his canine companion Logan to help him get around his hometown Enniskillen, the Fermanagh Herald relayed.

He explained how he lost his sight after a mishap on a bike earlier in adulthood, but that his family is now reassured that he can go about his daily business without human assistance.

Mr Kelly recounted how the ins and outs of operating a dog harness – which is also used by sportspeople for dog sledding – formed a key part of his training, which he noted was "very centred on the person".

Recalling a five-week Guide Dogs Association course he had to undertake before being handed the reins to his animal, Mr Kelly said: "The dog slept in the bedroom with you, he went to the bathroom, the dining room, everywhere that you went he went. That was to build up the relationship."

In related news, schoolgirl Orla Jordan recently told the Irish Independent the use of a dog harness helps keep her to get to class with her Labrador retriever Alice.