BUDE Dog Training Group member Chrystal Petvin (13) and her dog Bingo recently raised over £800 for Cornwall based disaster relief charity ShelterBox UK by completing a sponsored dog walk.

Chrystal's fundraising effort was part of a massive combined feat that raised a total of nearly £2,500 for ShelterBox and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

ShelterBox fundraising officer Laura Jepson passed on her appreciation. She said: "You've all been very busy fundraising for us, and doing a fantastic job too! Please pass our thanks on to all those involved, especially Chrystal and Bingo."

A total of 32 human and 26 canine walkers started out from Widemouth Bay following the coastal path north. Some walked to Upton beach and back while the more energetic walked on to Compass Point in Bude, before returning to Widemouth for a welcome drink in the Bay View Inn.

Kathleen Adams, trainer and mainstay of the group, raised £480 herself but was happy to play second fiddle to Chrystal and Bingo. She commented: "We're all very appreciative of the work Chrystal has put in.

"We often hear bad news stories about young people, but there are a lot of youngsters selflessly giving their time to help others. We'd like to thank Chrystal, her sister Carla and the whole Petvin family for supporting us so magnificently."

All trainers and helpers in the Bude and North Cornwall Dog Training Group give their time for the benefit of local dog owners and to raise funds for charity. The group meets every Wednesday evening upstairs at Harlequins in Bude. There are three training sessions; one for puppies, one for older dogs and one special session for dogs with more challenging behaviour.

Group helper, Kevin Colwill, added: "A lot of people think they only need dog training classes if their dogs have problems to sort out. We will always offer help with problems but it's far better to start right by training your puppy or young dog before any problems set in.

"We're starting new puppy courses for the summer season and always welcome new dogs into our group."