THESE two dogs are both Stars!As beautiful young pup Star continues her training to be a guide dog today, Evening Star reader Joan Read was reminded of her dog's efforts to help blind and partially-sighted people in Suffolk.

THESE two dogs are both Stars!

As beautiful young pup Star continues her training to be a guide dog today, Evening Star reader Joan Read was reminded of her dog's efforts to help blind and partially-sighted people in Suffolk.

Mrs Read's dog, named Evening Star but nicknamed Ruby, was a forerunner to the new dog on the block, by raising cash for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Evening Star, born in a litter of sparkling dogs with names such as Bright Star, Shinning Star and Suffolk Star, collected £75 for the cause through a sponsored sit in the 1970s.

The Irish Red Setter has since died and 82-year-old Mrs Read, of Allenby Road in Ipswich, said she misses her all the time.

Now she is supporting the Star's Christmas Appeal which aims to raise £10,000 to pay for the training of a new guide dog who will be the eyes of her visually-impaired owner.

Mrs Read, who has donated to the campaign herself, added: “I hope people raise lots of money for the lovely dog to become a guide dog.

“Seeing puppy Star brought back lots of memories of my lovely dog. She was the most wonderful animal, so well-behaved.

“I always used to collect money for guide dogs because I thought it was such a good cause. I don't know how much I raised over the years.

“I think the new Star is gorgeous and I encourage people to donate.”

What do you think of the Star's campaign? 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 a blind or partially-sighted person.

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.