A WALTON man has launched a new charity shop in the town to fund highly-trained guide dogs for the blind.

In 2012 Laurence Gray opened a charity store in Old Pier Street to support Macmillan cancer care.

After raising more than £13,000 for the charity he has now moved on to open the Guide Dogs for the Blind UK shop in Walton High Street.

The charity approached Laurence to help them raise cash for guide dogs in the area.

The new shop – which sells a variety of donated items - opened three weeks ago and has had a steady stream of customers.

Every £5,000 raised for the charity can fund a guide dog puppy.

Laurence said: “It has been excellent so far. We’ve already raised more than £2,000, so nearly enough for half of a guide dog.

“The charity wants us to raise enough for one dog by the end of the year, but we want to do better than that. My goal is to fund two or three.”

People can boost the cause by donating items to sell in the shop. They should visit the shop in Walton High Street or call Laurence on 07951 954471.