RED Funnel has provided transport of a different kind to an Isle of Wight charity.
The ferry company made Ability Dogs 4 Young People its charity of the year for 2016 and raised £50,000, allowing the charity to buy a van to take its assistance dogs all over the Island.
Donations were made by staff and customers online and in support of a fundraising parachute jump and matched by the company.
The charity trains assistance dogs to enhance the independence of disabled young people and children.
Ability Dogs 4 Young People chief executive Carol Court said: "We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to buy this van, which is so essential to being able to transport our dogs around the Island.
"As part of their training, the dogs must be conditioned to performing in real-world situations, so it’s very important we can get them to the shop, the ferry, our training centre and to their new recipients’ homes.
"Red Funnel’s support throughout the year has been hugely important to us. Not only has the company raised a great amount of funds we’ve been able to use directly but our presence on the ferries’ on-board video screens has generated so much positive publicity for us and this increased awareness has been absolutely fantastic."
Red Funnel human resources director, Shirley Anderson, said: "We’re really proud to have been able to raise £50,000 for such a crucial piece of equipment for Ability Dogs 4 Young People.
"The charity does amazing work on the Island and we are so grateful to everyone who donated money to such a worthwhile cause."
Red Funnel’s charity of the year for 2017 is Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk