FOR the last two years Emery Gate shopping centre has been working with Chippenham and Corsham Guide Dogs to fund and name two puppies who will become future helpers.

More than £10,000 has been raised through Emery Gate's annual Christmas grotto to help the charity who are part of the national Guide Dogs Association.

Nicola Milne, centre manager at Emery Gate, said: “We have named the first puppy Emery as a thank you to those who visited us during the festive season. The second puppy is named Saxon. This name was chosen by a Facebook poll and relates to the heritage of Chippenham.”

Janet Smith, Coordinator of Chippenham and Corsham Guide Dogs, added:

“We have been very pleased to work with Emery Gate Shopping Centre and would like to thank everyone for their support. We have been made to feel very welcome by all involved, who have shown great interest in our charity and have been generous with their contributions."

Saxon and Emery will soon begin training to become guide dogs for blind people.