BEAVERS from 1st Bingley Scout Group have handed over a cheque for £135 to Guide Dogs for the Blind (Bradford Branch).

The money was raised by the youngsters after a visit to their colony by Bernie, a retired guide dog, along with her owners.

This visit was organised as part of their Scout Disability Awareness Badge. How guide dogs are trained and paired with suitable owners was explained to them, together with the enormous costs involved in this training.

A trained guide dog to a person with sight difficulties gives them a totally new independent way of life, opening up endless new possibilities for them.

For the youngsters, part of this badge is to make them aware of everyone’s differences and how things might need to be changed so that everyone can be involved, such as a seated team ball game can allow those with limited mobility to join in on an equal basis.

Following Bernie’s visit the beavers made decorated biscuits which were then sold to parents etc at their headquarters in Sycamore Avenue, Bingley.

A contribution also came from a local carnival in Cottingley which involved leaders helping with the sale of burgers and sausages.

If you feel you would like to offer further support to Guide Dogs for the Blind – volunteering or for donations, contact the local office on 0345 1430210.