SHOPPERS in Ipswich contributed a staggering �760 to the Evening Star's Christmas appeal to pay for the training of a guide dog puppy.

SHOPPERS in Ipswich contributed a staggering �760 to the Evening Star's Christmas appeal to pay for the training of a guide dog puppy.

When members of the East and Mid Suffolk fundraising group for Guide Dogs for the Blind opened the collecting box at the Star's Christmas tree in the Tower Ramparts shopping complex they were thrilled with the cash inside.

“We had no idea how much there would be,” said Penny Parker, who is the puppy walker for guide dog puppy Star.

“We tried to guess before we opened it and then when we tipped it out there were �20 notes, �10 notes, fivers and just loads and loads of pound coins - it was amazing.

“We cannot thank people enough for their support. To think people have dipped into their purses and wallets while out Christmas shopping to support others in this way is just amazing.”

In addition to the �761 in the box, staff at Tower Ramparts also raised a further �59.

Sue Gipps, sales and marketing manager for the Evening Star, also thanked everyone who supported the tree collection - especially Hughes TV and Audio, which has a branch at Tower Ramparts, for loan of the 50-inch plasma TV and DVD player for broadcasting the paper's festive season message.

Meanwhile, there has been another boost for the appeal with Ipswich company Malcolm Andrew Office Solutions donating �250.

Tanya Mills, from the company's marketing department, said: “We decided to be kinder to the environment this year and make a donation to a worthy charity instead of sending out corporate business cards.”

Mrs Parker took Star to the company in Farthing Road to meet staff and their children and thank them for their kind donation.

The appeal has smashed through its �10,000 target and so far raised more than �16,000 - enough to pay for the breeding and training of not just Star, but also a second guide dog, which will be born this year and called Hope.

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 - 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.