They can’t read but they are playing a lead role in raising funds for a village library.

A sponsored dog walk (pictured) organised in November by the team of volunteers which runs North Baddesley Library raised £237 and proved so popular it has become a monthly event.

The Friends of the Library charge £1 per person/dog to take part in the monthly walkies, which set off from the Fleming Avenue Precinct at 10am on the first Sunday of each month.

Walks take a different route round the village and the organisers say it’s a great way for the humans and their pets to make new friends.

The library has also started a Knit and Natter group which meets on Tuesday afternoons between 2pm and 3pm. You don’t need to know how to knit – you can come along and learn. Alternatively, if you are an experienced knitter you can teach some novices.

Another new use for the library is as home to a job club on the first and third Thursday of the month between 10am and midday.

A donation from the Rotary Club has allowed the library to purchase a printer scanner photocopier – the only one available for public use in the village.

Last Saturday the library set up stall at the Co-op in Rownhams Lane and made £105 by selling donated books and running a competition to guess the number of marbles in a jar.

Closest to the right answer of 193 was Mr R. Cavill, who won a box of chocolates.

The library’s fundraising stall will be back in business in Romsey’s Cornmarket on Saturday,