Golden Retriever Mel proved to be a hit as club members handed over a cheque of £5,555 to Guide Dogs Cymru

Mel, a golden retriever, is in training to become a guide dog. His name was chosen by club members in memory of Melvin Jones, a businessman with Welsh connections who founded Lions International in 1917.

During the session in Llangefni, members handed over a £5,555 cheque, which was raised through a series of events to mark the centenary of Lions International, and presented to Guide Dogs Cymru.

Puppy Mel was born in April last year,. The club has been enjoying regular updates on his journey to becoming a fully-fledged guide dog.

President, Paul Smith, said: “Mel was a very friendly pup, we hope he will be successful as a guide dog.”

Jacquie Hughes-Jones, community fundraiser for Guide Dogs in North Wales, added: “A name is the first gift that a guide dog puppy receives, and it’s great that the Lions have chosen a name that has great significance for them.

“The lifetime cost of a guide dog is more than £55,000, and we rely on the generosity of clubs like the Lions to fund our life-changing work.”