VETERINARY surgery staff in Stanhope have raised over £2,000 to help the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association train puppies.

Workers at the Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital started their fundraising last October and through a series of events such as sponsored walks and a bag pack, they beat their £2,000 target to raise £2,250 for the charity.

The staff were supporting the national initiative Stand Out For Guide Dogs and hospital owner Micaela Wright said they were delighted to help fund training for animals that become a lifeline to their owners.

In recognition of the hospital’s contribution, the Guide Dogs Association will let Stanhope Park staff name one the puppies who will receive funding from their efforts.

Ms Wright and her team voted to call the puppy Stan if it is a boy or Hope if it is a girl.