Officials representing a national charity have thanked Ilkestonians for their generosity after a supermarket collection raised over £300.
Bob and Dawn Swepstone represent Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and were in attendance at the town's Morrison's store to raise money at one of their regular bucket collections.
Bob said that he organises and attends various supermarket branches in the area and is already planning collections for 2025.
He said: "Our main events are presentations to groups that request a talk about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. This generates donations, but just as important, it raises awareness of what these dogs do, and the positive effects they have on the recipient. My wife, Dawn, is profoundly deaf and has had her life changed completely by her Hearing Dog, Digby."
Thanking shoppers and wishing them a Merry Christmas, Bob said: "The people of Ilkeston are very generous - donating £329.32!"
Bob added: "This was the first collection during which we have used a card reader. Many people say "Sorry, I've not got any change" so we find that the reader is an alternative way to donate. £48 of the total was by card. It's the future of bucket collections!"
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