STAFF from a Taunton opticians have raised over £2,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Specsavers raised the money after organising several events including cake sales and fun days for staff and customers.

Emma Denham, store director of Specsavers Taunton, said: "We are really pleased to have raised such a fantastic amount for Guide Dogs for the Blind. The work they do is so important and we felt great pride in supporting it.

"I would just like to thank all of the staff for their efforts and our customers for being so supportive of the charity and helping to raise money for this important cause."

Guide Dogs for the Blind provides mobility and freedom to blind and partially sighted people.

The charity also as campaigning for the rights of people with visual impairment, educating the public about eyecare and funding eye disease research.

There are more than 4,600 guide dog owners across the UK, and it costs £50,000 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement.