STAFF and patients at Ipswich Hospital are digging deep into their pockets, searching their sofas and other hiding places, to donate their pennies for the puppy.

STAFF and patients at Ipswich Hospital are digging deep into their pockets, searching their sofas and other hiding places, to donate their pennies for the puppy.

Jane Warton, of the Ipswich area fundraising group for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, is galvanising her work colleagues into helping the Evening Star Christmas appeal by donating their loose change.

Collection boxes are being put around the hospital every Friday in the run up to Christmas - giving everyone the chance to collect coppers to help push the fund to pay for guide dog puppy Star's training towards its target.

Puppy walker Penny Parker, of the East and Mid Suffolk fundraising group of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association who is looking after little Star for her first year, hoped everyone would look out their unwanted small change.

She said: “We have a very good arrangement with our bank and they are always happy to take coins from us of any size and any amount - and every single penny helps.”

Felixstowe-based band Bits 'n' Pieces wants to play a concert for the appeal - but needs a venue for the gig.

The four-piece group plays pop and rock of the swinging sixties and glam rock from the seventies and their performances have been enjoyed by thousands over the years.

Guitarist John Spurgeon said: “We would love to play a gig for the appeal and have a few spare dates between now and Christmas.

“What we want is to hear from someone who could offer us a venue and we will come and play - it will be a great night and a lot of fun for us and everyone who comes along.”

Anyone who is able to offer the group a venue - either in the Felixstowe area or further afield - can call Mr Spurgeon on 01394 282930.

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.