FREEMASONS in Ipswich have provided a huge boost to the fund to pay for the training of a guide dog puppy - raising £1,500.Orders of Freemasons donated to the Evening Star Christmas Appeal, and members bought tickets for a draw with the first prize a gallon of whisky.

FREEMASONS in Ipswich have provided a huge boost to the fund to pay for the training of a guide dog puppy - raising £1,500.

Orders of Freemasons donated to the Evening Star Christmas Appeal, and members bought tickets for a draw with the first prize a gallon of whisky.

Treasurer of the orders, Richard Strutt said: “I set a target of £1,000 and have raised £1,508 - I am absolutely delighted.

“Everyone is pleased to have been able to help because this is such an important appeal and to be able to provide a guide dog for someone will be wonderful.”

Puppy walker Penny Parker took guide dog puppy Star along to meet members of the orders, their partners and widows of former members at their Christmas dinner at the Freemasons Hall in Soane Street.

Star was able to help with the draw to the delight of everyone attending.

Mrs Parker said: “We had a wonderful time - everyone was so welcoming and friendly.

“For people to see Star and hear about the role she will play brings home the importance of the work of Guide Dogs for the Blind to people and helps them understand how their support is helping.

“The donations from the members of the Freemasons have been absolutely fantastic and we cannot thank them enough for their generous support for Star.”

The puppy took part in the 1st Old Felixstowe Brownies' play The Missing Star this week - with the story written especially so she could take part.

Ticket sales, a raffle and sales of Evening Star calendars raised £162 for the appeal on the night.

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.

Anyone with coppers - one pence or tuppences - can drop them off at either the Felixstowe or Ipswich offices of the Evening Star.