Fundraisers in Gwynedd have been praised for their dogged determination to help people with sight loss during lockdown.

Guide Dogs Ceredigion, Powys and South Gwynedd used virtual collections to raise more than £7,000 during lockdown - more than any other group in the UK

When the pandemic ruled out face-to-face events, the group put its fundraising events online instead.

The hard work paid and the group has now been honoured for its efforts at the charity’s People Awards at Guide Dogs’ National Centre in Leamington Spa, where HRH Countess of Wessex was the guest of honour.

The group usually attends about 30 collections a year across South Gwynedd, Ceredigion and Powys, plus dine in the dark events, carnivals, shows and Christmas fairs. Their lockdown efforts made them Guide Dogs’ best-performing group for virtual collection in the UK.

First-time guide dog owner Nia Hicks-Brew and her yellow Labrador retriever Una took on a 90km walking challenge in Gwynedd, raising a total of £846. Nia, of Pwllheli, said: “Una is amazing, the confidence she has given me is fantastic. I decided to do the challenge as a way to say thank you to Guide Dogs Cymru for giving me my freedom, confidence and happiness back. I will be forever grateful.”

Louise Jenkins from Llandysul, cycled 100 miles on a tandem, completed a 100-mile run and finished with a 100-minute sea swim.

Terry Glover was moved to tears when he met five-month-old black Labrador puppy Lotta at the Hive in Aberaeron.

“I had a black lab called Lotta for 14-and-a-half years and donated £5,000 to name a puppy in her memory,” he said. “When I met the puppy I was close to tears, as she was so much like my first dog.”

The group is seeking new volunteers from Ceredigion, Powys and South Gwynedd. To get involved, email [email protected]