Taunton Volunteer Fundraising Group has received recognition for raising £13,000 for Guide Dogs.

The money was raised through the group’s highly successful Christmas pop up shop, which was located in the Orchard Shopping Centre throughout the recent festive period.

The fundraiser’s efforts have contributed to their impressive lifelong donation total of over a million pounds to the sight loss charity since their establishment in 1958.

Thanks to their efforts, a guide dog named Bailey is fully financed for his entire career in supporting a person with sight loss.

The £13,000 will cover Bailey's life expenses, from food and vet bills to his continuing training.

Somerset County Gazette: The money was raised through the group’s highly successful Christmas pop up shop, which was

Krissie Isaac, community fundraising relationship manager for Guide Dogs, expressed her gratitude: "This amazing group of volunteers have done incredibly well to raise this sum, which will make a real difference for the people we support.

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

"We are so proud of our volunteers and would like to thank them for everything they do."

Guide Dogs are always looking for more volunteers to help out in multiple roles.

To learn of volunteering possibilities, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer or call 0800 781 1444.