ANOTHER Guide Dog has been provided for a person with sight loss in Darlington thanks to the fundraising efforts of the charity's local group.

The Darlington fundraising group, made up entirely of volunteers, has been praised for raising more than £13,000 this year so far for the charity Guide Dogs.

They raised the sum by organising a myriad of different events, including supermarket collections and other events.

As a result of reaching the £13,000 milestone, the group have been able to support a working partnership between a guide dog and a person with sight loss.

Community Fundraising Development Officer Sue Robinson said: “This amazing group of volunteers have done incredibly well to raise this sum.

“Volunteers kindly offer their time, support and energy to our charity.

"Without them, we wouldn’t be able to continue our work.

“Our guide dogs are truly life-changing, allowing people with sight loss to enjoy the same freedom and independence as everyone else.

“We are so proud of our volunteers and would like to thank them for everything they do.

"We also wish to recognise the fantastic support that the group receives from individuals and businesses within the local community.”

Guide Dogs has 8,000 dogs across the UK.

It also provides life-changing services to the 360,000 people across the country who are registered blind or partially sighted, and the two million people in the UK living with sight loss.

It helps thousands of people, not just providing them with a dog, but helping them to lead confident and independent lives.

The charity is looking for people to volunteer to help out with fundraising as well as other parts of the charity including campaigning on behalf of service users, helping to rehome dogs and donating. It is also looking for corporate partners to help raise money.

To find out about volunteering for Guide Dogs, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteering