Two puppies are set to become guide dogs after customers of The Ashley Centre in Epsom helped fundraise more than £15,000 for their sponsorship.

The pair of pooches will now begin their journey to being a huge help to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association’s Epsom branch.

Named Ashley Puppy 1 and Ashley Puppy 2, they could now support people who are blind or partially sighted by helping them travel independently.

One is a black Labrador, born last August, while the other is a golden retriever Labrador cross that was born in June this year.

David Beddows, The Ashley Centre’s manager, said: “Once again we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our lovely shoppers.

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to sponsor these two puppies which we hope will change a blind or partially sighted person’s life for the better and give them the same freedom of movement as everyone else.”

In the end, £15,154.86 was raised through donations.