PUPILS, parents and staff of Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary School have only a couple of hundred pounds left to raise in order to sponsor a guide dog puppy.

The school has been busy fundraising for several months through a number of events and activities to raise the £1,500 needed to sponsor a puppy for the Guide Dog for the Blind Appeal and now have just over £400 left to raise.

The children were recently treated to a visit from two local ladies and their guide dogs to learn all about how the dogs help with their day-to-day lives.

Headteacher Nicky Pratten said: ‘During the autumn term we took on a very exciting fundraising challenge which was to raise £1,500 for the Guide Dog for the Blind Puppy Appeal.

‘Once we have reached our goal, the children will be able to name and meet the guide dog puppy who will help to transform the life of somebody in the future.

‘So far the children, parents, staff and members of the local community have raised money through the retiring collection at the Christmas carol service, Christmas hamper raffles, supported by Tesco and Morrisons, a pancake breakfast and a joint concert between our singing club and the Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir.

‘We now only have £419 left to raise and hope to organise a few more events so that we reach our target before the end of this term.

‘The children were delighted to receive a visit from Debra and her guide dog Crystal and from Christine and her guide dog Suki.

Both ladies talked to the children about what a difference the dogs have made to their daily lives and how important they are to both themselves and their families and friends. The dogs were extremely well-behaved and Crystal even had a little sleep part way through the talk.

‘The children were full of enthusiasm and were excited when they were able to say “hello“ to the dogs at the end of the visit.’