DOG lovers turned out in force for a paw-some event in Wimborne in aid of a good cause.

Wimborne Town Centre was the stage for a Guide Dogs Treasure Trail, which saw dogs and their humans scour shop windows to find hidden toy puppies.

Opened by the Mayor of Wimborne and supported by Wimborne BID, the event raised £1,879 in support of Guide Dogs, whose life-changing services empower people living with sight loss.

Armed with clue sheets, dog owners took to the streets, before enjoying a tombola, raffle and meeting real guide dogs and puppies in training in the square.

The Treasure Hunt Prize Giving took place on November 1, at Café on the Square, where lucky winners were celebrated with a first prize of £75 worth of Hall & Woodhouse vouchers being handed to Valentyna Tipaieva.

Debs Rowland scooped a second prize of £50 of Amazon vouchers, while third prize went to Tony Brown, who won Wimborne Town Football Tickets and Tivoli Cinema Vouchers.

Runners-up were Rachel Colley, and the Ukrainian Refugees group with Purbeck Connect Ukraine, who both won a £10 Stewarts Voucher.

Top raffle winner was Matthew Warren, who won a one-night stay for two at Bridge House, Ferndown.

A hamper was presented by Hyacinth House care home

A special moment came courtesy of Hyacinth House Care Home in Ferndown, whose residents Gwen Raggett, 99, and 88-year-old Didi Thornton presented a hamper for the tombola.

Money raised at events like Wimborne’s Treasure Trail help fund essential items for Guide Dogs, such as enrichment toys and training equipment for puppies learning to become life-changing companions.

Schools also joined the cause, welcoming Guide Dogs volunteers for educational presentations to help children understand sight loss and the work the dogs do.

Elli Cavazza, Guide Dogs puppy development advisor, said: “We are so grateful to Wimborne BID and Wimborne businesses for their support, from hosting the treasure hunt to donating brilliant prizes. The funds raised help make a difference to people living with sight loss.”

Sam Devlin, Wimborne BID deputy chair and owner of Vetsmiths, added: “Over 20 businesses took part in the trail, and many more donated prizes. It was a wonderful day of canine charm and community spirit.”

She added: “Wimborne continues to shine as a guide dog-friendly town, welcoming puppy trainers and their pups as they learn to navigate real-world environments.”

To learn more about Guide Dogs and how you can help, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help.

The trail was officially opened by the Mayor of Wimborne