IT'S Christmas!!The festive season has really got under way in Ipswich after The Evening Star's Christmas tree lights were switched on in Tower Ramparts shopping centre.

IT'S Christmas!!

The festive season has really got under way in Ipswich after The Evening Star's Christmas tree lights were switched on in Tower Ramparts shopping centre.

Guide dog puppy Star made a special guest appearance at the switch-on of lights last night.

The 14-week-old Labrador pup seemed to lap up the attention as she was stroked, cuddled and cooed over and then her tiny paw helped to flick the switch to illuminate the towering tree.

The Star's Christmas appeal this year is to raise £10,000 to help with the cost of the pup's training. Every penny and pound will count and ensure that the little puppy gets 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.

The Ipswich Deaf Choir performed a few Christmas carols using sign language and the Star's editor Nigel Pickover also made a brief speech before a video of Star at the Star's office was played on a big screen.

One onlooker, Ian Hewitt, 50, of Wherstead Road, said: “I came especially to see the dog. She is lovely in the flesh.

“I have always supported the Guide Dogs because I think it is such a worthy cause.”

Large crowds also gathered at the switch-on of the town's Christmas lights at the weekend. The cast of the New Wolsey Theatre's pantomime Cinderella performed rock and roll songs on stage while the energetic crowd jumped along.

There was even a sprinkling of snow, courtesy of a snow machine, adding to festive feel.

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.

You can also collect your copper coins and drop them in to our Ipswich or Felixstowe offices.

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.