Move over Buster, Benson is back: Famous Norfolk Labrador returns for charity calendar (but next year could be his last)

An adorable dog which has helped raise money for injured servicemen and women for almost a decade is being forced to retire after developing a disability of his own.

Benson the black Labrador strikes a pose for charity calendar. Picture: COLIN SCOLES - Credit: GRESHAM'S

While Buster the trampolining Boxer has been stealing all the headlines as the star of this year's John Lewis Christmas advert, Benson - a black Labrador belonging to a staff instructor at Gresham's School in Holt - has just published his ninth charity calendar for 2017, with the cash raised from the sales being split between two service charities - Help for Heroes and Walking with the Wounded.

He has been pictured at ease in the presence of military personnel in various locations across the country, and although he no longer goes out and about, he is still a firm fixture at the School.

However, next year's calendar could be Benson's last after it emerged he has been going blind since February.

Benson's owner Colin Scoles said: 'It is ironic that Benson has been raising money to help injured servicemen and women and he himself now has a disability and, like so many that he has helped, he has a 'can do attitude' hence the latest calendar.'

Benson the black Labrador strikes a pose for charity calendar. Picture: COLIN SCOLES - Credit: GRESHAM'S

But he added: 'It is intended that 2017 will be the penultimate calendar.'

The 2017 Benson calendar is now on sale with half the £10 price going to the charities. To order a copy, call the school reception on 01263 714500.