Bus operator Bluestar has donated £23,000 to Guide Dogs, supporting the charity's work for visually impaired individuals.

Earlier in 2024, Bluestar confirmed Guide Dogs as its two-year official charity.

The sizeable donation will fund the upbringing and training of two guide dog puppies to be named 'Blue' and 'Star'.

The charity, mainly donation-based, will continue to raise awareness via Bluestar's buses and on-board messaging for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025.

Richard Tyldsley, Bluestar general manager, said: "Guide Dogs is a crucial resource, helping people with a vision impairment to live actively, independently and well through its life-changing dogs and other services.

"We have had a close association with the charity for some time because we allow guide dog trainers to hop on and off our buses with their puppies in training, helping them get used to public transport.

"We hope this latest donation will help Guide Dogs in its work, helping people with sight loss live the life they choose."