THE Okehampton branch of a national charity was officially relaunched in the town last week ? and the group is planning a special information day later this month to celebrate the event.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind charity has not had official representation in the area for some time, but the new branch is hoping to raise the profile of the important work carried out by its workers and volunteers.
Branch organiser Doreen Chaney, who lives at Hatherleigh, said Guide Dogs for the Blind do an ?absolutely fantastic? job.
Doreen has had two guide dogs ? Heidi, who worked with her for eight years and stayed as a family pet until she died at the age of 13, and her present Labrador, Jade.
She said the charity played an invaluable role in the lives of many blind people and it was important to keep working to raise its profile.
?People still think Guide Dogs for the Blind are closing down in Exeter but it?s not. Cleve House, which cost a fortune, is being closed but they are moving into smaller premises.
?Certainly, as a guide dog owner, I would prefer to see money going towards the guide dogs than maintaining a big, under-used building,? said Doreen.
She said the new Okehampton branch of the charity would be out in force outside Waitrose in Okehampton on Saturday March 15, between 9.30am and 3pm when people would be able to find out more about guide dogs and their work.
Doreen said: ?Waitrose have kindly given us permission to use a corner, we will have lots of information and people will be able to ask us questions and also find out about puppy walking ? two of the people attending are puppy walkers.?
Doreen said she hoped many people would come along and support the charity and perhaps consider becoming a volunteer or member of the Okehampton branch.
For more information, call Doreen Chaney on 01837 810477.