A SCHOOL in Minchinhampton has raised a total of £10,000 to help support a new guide dog puppy. 

Families, pupils and staff from Beaudesert Park raised the funds through its annual charity fair which was held in October last year. 

The school will now be running a competition for the children to name the puppy, which has not been born yet. 

Miles Northwood, community fundraising relationship manager for Guide Dogs, visited the school before and after the fair to thank the children and their families for their support. 

He was joined by Sheila and guide dog Lexi, Nailsworth mayor Michael Kelly and his wife Wendy and their dogs Nicky and Danny. 

Puppy trainers Lynsey and Nigel Willis also visited with their 5 month old puppy in training, Zamba. 

Stroud News and Journal:  (L-R) - Sheila Murray and guide dog Lexi, Beaudesert Park pupil Arabella, fair organiser Zahra Lucas, pupil Alexander, puppy trainer Lynsey Willis and puppy Zamba, and Miles Northwood and guide dog Nushka  (L-R) - Sheila Murray and guide dog Lexi, Beaudesert Park pupil Arabella, fair organiser Zahra Lucas, pupil Alexander, puppy trainer Lynsey Willis and puppy Zamba, and Miles Northwood and guide dog Nushka  (Image: Beaudesert Park School)

Headmaster, Chris Searson said “We are delighted to have raised another significant amount for Guide Dogs. 

“We hope it will support the invaluable work they do, helping thousands of blind and partially sighted people.”

Miles Northwood, from Guide Dogs, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone at Beaudesert Park School for this fantastic donation and choosing to support us as a charity. 

“It costs approximately £54,800 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement and Guide Dogs relies almost entirely on donations to keep its life-changing services running.

“We’re excited to meet the new puppy soon.”

Stroud News and Journal: Pupils meeting guide dog puppy in training Zamba Pupils meeting guide dog puppy in training Zamba (Image: Beaudesert Park School)

Over the last 15 years, the school’s annual fair has raised over £110,000 for local and international charities. 

Last year’s charity shopping event featured more than 50 local and independent businesses, and was sponsored by Linbury Doctors, Cocoon Care, Oliver’s Travels and Stroud Farm Services.

Guide Dogs helps the two million people in the UK living with sight loss live actively and independently.