A local fundraising group in Carlisle have been praised for raising another £13,000 for the charity Guide Dogs.

The Carlisle fundraising group, made up of volunteers, raised the sum by organising collections and events and local stores.

As a result of reaching the £13,000 milestone, the group have been able to support a working partnership between guide dog Lester and a person with sight loss.

READ MORE: Guide Dogs needs volunteers in Penrith and Carlisle

Community Fundraising Relationships Manager, Lynne Whittaker, said: "This amazing fundraising group has done incredibly well to raise this amount of money for Guide Dogs.

"Everyone involved are volunteers who kindly offer their time, support and energy to our charity. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to continue our work.

"Our guide dogs are truly life-changing, allowing people with sight loss to enjoy the same freedom and independence as everyone else."

Although the cost of a guide dog from birth to death is just under £57,000, it costs the organisation £13,000 to support a dog, like Lester, whilst it is working with a person with sight loss.

Lester, a yellow Labrador, is now a qualified guide dog and is working with his owner in Scotland.