TAILS will be wagging next month in Basingstoke, where a special demonstration day for Guide Dogs hopes to raise crucial funds.

Taking place at The Malls shopping centre on Saturday, October 8, the event will feature demonstrations of guide dogs by the charity’s official team, alongside donation collections and merchandise for sale.

The event has been organised by the Basingstoke fundraising group for Guide Dogs, a volunteer-run organisation.

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Organiser Sophie Hall said that this is the group's biggest event of the year, which aims to help the sight loss charity fundraise to support people in the local community.

She continued: “I have always adored dogs and have felt I could do more to help more people within my community.

“I find that being a volunteer with Guide Dogs has really helped me to feel more confident and I feel as if I am actually helping the people who need support.”

A spokesperson from Guide Dogs Lee Thresher said: “We’re really grateful to our Basingstoke volunteer fundraising group for hosting this event and raising awareness of the work of Guide Dogs.

“The funds raised will make such a difference to the lives of people with sight loss.”

The fundraising event will be taking place from 10am until 4pm, with the charity encouraging visitors to stop by and find out more about what Guide Dogs does and how people can get involved locally.

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Founded more than 90 years ago, Guide Dogs is the world's largest breeder and trainer of working dogs.

Alongside partnering blind and partially sighted people with a guide dog, the charity also trains volunteer sighted guides, supports children and young people, teaches orientation and mobility skills and offers a range of information and advice services.

To find out more about Guide Dogs or to sign up as a volunteer, visit guidedogs.org.uk or call 0800 781 1444.