Southampton's main bus operator has announced its charity for the next two years.

Bluestar is throwing its support behind Guide Dogs - by naming the charitable organisation as its official good cause for 2024 and 2025.

The local bus provider will spend the next two years raising funds and awareness to help the charity provide a wide range of services and support to people living with a vision impairment. 

“Guide Dogs is a crucial resource, with dedicated volunteers and life-changing dogs to help people live actively, independently and well,” said Richard Tyldsley, Bluestar general manager. 

“We have had a close association with the charity for some time because we allow its team to hop on-and-off our buses with their trainee guide dogs to help them get comfortable using public transport. It’s all part of making our buses accessible to all - and we understand the issues faced by those who are partially sighted when they travel by bus. 

“Now, Guide Dogs has been voted to be our corporate charity by my Bluestar colleagues - and we are delighted to be backing this very worthy cause, and raising as much money as possible over the coming years.”

Bluestar has a busy calendar of fundraising planned, and is also promoting the charity on-board and on the rear of a bus.

Richard added: “Hopefully, the messages will be seen by thousands traveling across the region - and this will help increase awareness for this very worthy cause."

Guide Dogs is the world’s largest assistance dog organisation, and is a charity almost entirely funded by donations.

It is also the largest employer of specialists dedicated to helping children and young people overcome the challenges of sight loss. 

Guide Dogs trainer, Penny Allen, said: “We are hugely grateful to Bluestar for choosing us as its corporate charity, and for its ongoing support to help train our puppies and dogs on its buses. 

“Partnerships like this one mean we can continue supporting people with sight loss in Hampshire and beyond - and through providing information and advice, rehabilitation support and, of course, our life-changing dogs.”

For more information about Guide Dogs, please visit guidedogs.org.uk