A NEWPORT opticians is urging customers to back a nationwide effort to raise £250,000 to train 25 new guide dog puppies.

Specsavers, in High Street, launched its fundraising commitment to the charity, Guide Dogs, during Guide Dog week, which ran until October 11. All 650 branches of the company are involved as part of the chain's 25th anniversary celebrations.

Monies raised will help the charity provide services for blind and partially-sighted people in Newport.

Specsavers Newport store director Leighton Griffiths said: "We hope that through this partnership we not only help people who suffer from sight loss, but also educate young people and children about the importance of eye health.”

Guide Dogs’ head of regional fundraising Nick Hardy said: “Many children with sight loss struggle to make friends and develop life skills. Guide Dogs is working to change this by developing services that give confidence and independence to blind and partially-sighted children and young people."

Over the past few years the charity has undertaken a successful pilot scheme training under-16s with guide dogs, with the youngsters involved showing increased confidence and mobility.

As a result, the charity will be removing the minimum age requirement for guide dog ownership.