A CHARITY providing special assistance dogs for people with disabilities and autism is to receive an extra annual boost to train up puppies.

Dogs for Good, which is based in Blacklocks Hill, Banbury is from now on to receive £5,000 a year from Reading-based IT company Ultima.

The firm will also be offering IT expertise free of charge to Dogs for Good and employees will take on their own fundraising activities to support the charity.

Scores of families a year are changed forever with the arrival of a pet from the charity, which can offer practical support as well as confidence, independence and a friend.

Scott Dodds, the CEO of Ultima, said: "We are proud to be sponsoring Dogs for Good. We chose them as our charity partner as we have many values in common.

"They work closely with individuals to match the right dog to each client’s needs and are always evaluating how to improve their services.

"We will be working with them to ensure their IT is meeting the charity’s needs now and in the future. Our employees will also be donating their time for this project."

The £5,000 will go towards sponsoring a puppy at Dogs for Good and staff have already held their first 'name the puppy' competition.

Staff are also planning to take part in both marathons and triathlons in the coming year to raise funds for Dogs for Good, as well as volunteering days.