CHARITY fundraisers are drawing up a short-list of possible names for the new Ipswich Star guide dog puppy – after a fantastic response from readers.

We have been deluged with ideas for names, with most people suggesting that this very special Royal year is celebrated with an appropriate name for the yet-to-be-born pup.

The puppy will be the fifth Ipswich Star guide dog – following in the footsteps of Star, Faith, Sterling and Robson.

Members of the East and Mid Suffolk fundraising group for Guide Dogs will assess the names and draw up a short-list to present to the charity’s head office, where officials will make the final decision.

Favourites among the many names put forward are:

n Diamond

n Jubilee

n Queenie

n Royal

n Windsor

n Pageant

n Duke

Among a huge range of others were Giles, Euro, Truffle, Orwell, Oscar, London and Darcy.

Rob Stringer-Calvert said: “If it’s a boy – Atlas , as he’ll be carrying someone’s world on his shoulders. And if it’s a girl – Theia , who I believe was a Titan goddess of sight.”

Puppy walker Penny Parker said it is hoped the puppy will be a son or daughter of our first-ever guide dog, Star. The money for breeding and naming has already been raised, thanks to generosity of readers, businesses and fundraising by many organisations. A new appeal has now been launched to raise �7,000 for a sixth puppy.

n To donate to the Ipswich Star Guide Dog Appeal, send your cheques – made payable to Guide Dogs – to Richard Cornwell, Felixstowe editor, Felixstowe Star, 172 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 7DU.

n Has a guide dog made a difference to someone in your life? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or send an e-mail to starletters@archant.co.uk