ONE man's trash is another man's treasure - and your unwanted bits and pieces could help raise cash to train a guide dog.

Richard Cornwell

ONE man's trash is another man's treasure - and your unwanted bits and pieces could help raise cash to train a guide dog.

As part of the Evening Star's Christmas appeal to raise £10,000 to train Labrador puppy Star, a treasure box has been set up where certain items can be deposited and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association will turn them into cash for its work.

Brownies at the 1st Old Felixstowe pack have given the treasure box a great kick-start by collecting an assortment of items.

Brown Owl Penny Parker - who is the puppy walker for ten-week-old trainee guide dog Star - said: “They had great fun collecting and will be looking out for more bits and pieces in the months ahead.

“We hope the public will join us in our Treasure Hunt and search their cupboards and drawers and lofts and jewellery boxes and bring along anything they no longer want to add to the collection.

“However large or small, the contributions will be gratefully received and turned into valuable funds for the appeal.”

Unwanted treasure suitable for recycling includes:

Jewellery - old or new jewellery from a single earring to a modern plastic necklace. In any condition, broken, outdated or simply no longer wanted, all can be recycled.

Watches - from a Rolex or cheap copies to a free plastic watch. Metal, leather or plastic straps, or without straps. Pocket watches, bracelet watches, novelty watches.

Keys - any old or surplus keys that are no longer required can be recycled for their metal content.

Mobile phones - working or broken, any age or make. Please remember to remove your SIM card before donating.

Coins or bank notes - any old British coins - such as the big 50p, 10p, 5p, no longer used - or left over foreign holiday currency.

People can bring the items to the treasure box at the Evening Star office at 172 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe.

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.