A CHARITY which helps blind and partially sighted people in West and North Yorkshire will benefit from the generosity of people in Keighley.

The O2 shop in the Airedale Shopping Centre has raised more than £700 for Guide Dogs Leeds.

The store's charitable activities formed part of a drive by its owner – Talk Direct – to raise £5,000 to cover the cost of training a puppy to be a support dog.

Of all the stores in Talk Direct's group, the Airedale team raised the most. Staff took part in a fundraising bake sale, and hosted a "name the puppy" competition.

They also held a collection where shoppers could donate while searching for their new phone or tablet.

Mark Skelton, who set up Talk Direct's iCare project after becoming blind in 2014, said: “£700 is a fantastic effort from everyone connected to Airedale O2.

“We set the charitable challenge across our 14 stores as we really believe in being able to support charities such as Guide Dogs Leeds.

"The work they do in training puppies to become guide dogs really makes a difference to those that need it.

"We’re thrilled to be able to present a cheque for £2,850 to Guide Dogs Leeds, £700 of which has come from the Airedale Centre store.”

Steve Seymour, Airedale Centre manager, said: “We’re a big community here at Airedale and it’s always great when our stores do things such as this for charities such as Guide Dogs Leeds."