DOGS for Autism is taking the lead within its local community by arranging a series of events in and around Alton this spring and summer.

The charity which provides free assistance dogs for people with autism across the UK hopes to base itself in Alton town centre soon and needs fundraising and volunteering help to train and support the animals.

At the Alton Royal British Legion club, Dogs for Autism chief executive Hilary Armour opened Alton Lions Club’s quiz night, from which all proceeds were donated to local charities.

She gave an informative talk and introduced the contestants to one of the trainee dogs, which was wearing its Dogs for Autism jacket. A total of £500 was raised for the charity, which included the proceeds from a raffle for which the prizes were donated by Lions club members.

Hilary also spoke to Alton Women’s Institute, and will soon share the story behind Dogs for Autism at an Alton Rotary Club meeting.

There are plans for the 1st Crondall Cubs to meet the dogs. The dogs will also visit the Four Marks Jubilee Summer Fete on June 5 and the Binsted Fete and Dog Show on July 2 – events at which the charity will have a stall.

At Binsted it will hold ‘Walk a Platinum Mile’, a 1.3-mile dog-friendly sponsored walk to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and raise funds for the charity. For children there will be a doggy lucky dip and a pin the crown on the puppy game.

For more information on volunteering for Dogs for Autism visit www.dogsforautism.org.uk