CONNAUGHT Freemasons have sponsored a Guide Dog puppy named Jasper, a black Labrador, for the first two years of his training.

Since their charity bank account needs two signatures, Connaught Freemasons weren't able to set up a monthly Direct Payment through the Guide Dogs website.

Instead, they arranged with the Guide Dogs head office to make a one-time payment of £104, covering the equivalent of a monthly Direct Debit over two years to sponsor the puppy.

The Lodge gets regular updates on Jasper’s progress, and members can join his Facebook group if they wish. This initiative might be the start of a lasting relationship with the Guide Dogs Association.