MONEY is still rolling in for the Evening Star appeal for pay for guide dog training.

MONEY is still rolling in for the Evening Star appeal for pay for guide dog training.

So far the Star is Born appeal has raised enough cash to pay for puppy Star's breeding and training, and also raised enough to pay for a second dog, set to be born this year and called Hope.

The current total stands at nearly �17,000.

This week cheques totalling more than �600 have arrived to add to the appeal, which will continue until Star leaves at the end of the summer to go onto her next stage of training.

A donation of �300 was received from the Alan Road Methodist Church Youth Club in Ipswich, raised from its big sing and weekly collections, plus �290 from MSC following a Dress Down Friday event.

Club leader Helen Keown said her husband, also a youth club leader, works for MSC and suggested the fundraising at his work went to the appeal with the club's collection.

Mrs Keown said: “We are all very proud of what we have raised. We have thoroughly enjoyed helping such a worthwhile cause.”

Star went along to meet the youngsters at their song marathon.

They sang more than 50 songs using the PlayStation collection of games Singstar and were sponsored by relatives and friends.

Star, looked after by puppy walker Penny Parker, is currently being exposed to a range of experiences to help her get accustomed to noise, hustle and bustle, public transport, and different places.

Has your family been helped by the Guide Dogs - tell us your stories about this amazing charity: write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

The fundraising for the vital work of Guide Dogs continues - as we aim to raise as much as possible for the charity's work.

We want the whole community to get involved and if you are organising a fundraising event for the appeal, then we want to hear so we can give it maximum publicity and help boost the amount raised.

So let us know what you are up to - get in touch with Richard Cornwell at the Felixstowe Newsdesk on 01394 284109 or the Ipswich Newsdesk on 01473 324788.

To donate to the appeal, please send cheques - made payable to the Guide Dogs - to Richard Cornwell, Evening Star, 172 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7DU.