YOUNGSTERS at an Ipswich church youth group sung their hearts out to raise money to help pay for the training of loveable guide dog puppy Star.

YOUNGSTERS at an Ipswich church youth group sung their hearts out to raise money to help pay for the training of loveable guide dog puppy Star.

The members of the Alan Road Methodist Church group sang more than 50 songs, sponsored by friends and family, to boost the Evening Star's Christmas appeal.

There was an extra treat, too, on the singathon fun night - as puppy walker Penny Parker popped in with Star so the pup could meet the children.

Club leader Helen Keown said: “They thoroughly enjoyed meeting Star and spoke of nothing else for the rest of the evening.

“They managed well over 50 songs and through donations from those visiting us we collected £70 on the night, which takes our total so far to £100.

“We still have the sponsor money to collect and we will continue collecting loose change weekly until we finish for Christmas.”

The youngsters used the Playstation collection of games Singstar in order to sing their song marathon.

Mrs Parker, of the East and Mid Suffolk fundraising group of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and who is looking after little Star for her first year, spoke to the group about the vital role the puppy is being trained to play - being a guide dog and acting as the eyes for a blind or visually-impaired person.

“The youngsters were really enthusiastic and had a great time - they loved Star - and it is absolutely brilliant that they are supporting us and raising money for the appeal,” she said.

Star's next engagement is tomorrow when she will switch on the lights on the Evening Star Christmas Tree in Tower Ramparts in Ipswich at 6pm.

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 aim is to raise £10,000 to help with the cost of Star's training - and we want the whole community to get involved with the appeal.

Every penny and pound will count and ensure that the little puppy get the best care and training as she is prepared to do the job of guiding someone who lives every day of their lives with the blight of blindness.

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.

People with pennies and tuppences can drop them off at either the Felixstowe or Ipswich offices of the Evening Star.