A GROUP of dog lovers has handed over £525 to the Hounds for Heroes charity.

The money was raised by dog trainer Heather Stevens, owner of wetrainanydog.com, and the dog owners who attend her classes in Catterick Garrison, Darlington, Northallerton and Boroughbridge.

As well as a raffle at their Christmas party, the group raised money through the sale of refreshments on training nights.

Hounds for Heroes provides trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled men and women from the Armed Forces and emergency services.

Ms Stevens said: "Living in a garrison area, I am aware that a number of my clients are from the military community so we wanted to give back to our heroes - Hounds for Heroes seemed the perfect match for the dog school.

"I was lucky enough to have a visit in October 2013 to the Hounds For Heroes training centre in Hampshire and was inspired by the work of charity founder Allen Parton and the dedication of his staff."

This year money raised by the group will be split between Veterans With Dogs and Dog AID.