SHOPPERS are being urged to give ‘a pound for a hound’ and help transform disabled peoples' lives.

The appeal in aid of Dogs for the Disabled has been launched by the Midcounties Co-op and is running from today until Sunday.

Customers can put £1 into collecting buckets or give at the till by adding a pound to their bill.

All donations will go to help the Co-op’s chosen charity to train more assistance dogs.

Dogs and their owners or volunteers with training puppies will be visiting some stores.

Amanda Edmunds, the Co-op’s systems and administration manager, said: “Our customers are always ready to support good causes and we hope they will give to this appeal.

“Their donations will make a real difference and give children and adults the opportunity to enjoy more independence. It has to be a pound well spent.”

The good cause helps disabled people by providing the trained canines to help with day-to-day tasks.

The dogs are taught to give their assigned keepers practical help including emptying the washing machine, pulling a duvet over a child at night and are now being trained to assist children with autism.

For more information about the charity visit dogsforthedisabled.org