SOCIAL media star Nutmeg is the inspiration behind a bid to raise £2,500 to name a new guide dog puppy.

The yellow Labrador who keeps Alan Fletcher on the straight and narrow, had more than 900 birthday wishes when she turned nine last month, prompting borough councillor Russell Holland to start the fundraiser.

He said: “Everyone was a bit down because of lockdown. Lots of people know Alan and Nutmeg so it was about people coming together for a good cause. What is great is we can carry on with fundraising after lockdown. It’s a really good cause and Alan is great. People spot him going round the area, he is a great local character.

Alan is registered blind and his guide dog is vital for his independence.

Coun Holland said: “I know there are many good causes out there I wanted to pick this one because both Alan and Nutmeg are local residents and it means we can all join in choosing the name.

“We will keep working towards the target throughout the year. People have been very positive about it and everyone will hopefully enjoy getting involved.

The plan is to raise the £2,500 needed to start a puppy on its training and hold a community vote on the name.

And although the appeal has only been running a few days it has already brought in more than £700 in donations.

Alan, from Stratton chaired Swindon Guide Dogs for eight years, until 2017. During his time, he raised £550,000 through collections at supermarkets, charity nights, coffee mornings and events around the town.

He said: “It’s absolutely wonderful. I’m really pleased and it’s great they want to do something for Guide Dogs from what they saw on Facebook from Nutmeg's birthday.

Sponsors will choose two names - one male and one female and their pup's details will be on a certificate displayed in Grange Drive Community Centre.

“With Name a Puppy, it is never guaranteed whether you get a male or female so you give one of each,” he added.

“We are going through hard times and everyone needs something to pick them up and make them smile.

"I just want to say thanks to Russell and everyone in the Facebook group. It’s important for us to recognise what guide dogs do and support the next generation of guide dogs to come along.”

The Name a Pup scheme run by the charity allows people to raise different amounts of money to sponsor puppies from the litter right through the training.

To donate to the appeal go to justgiving.com/fundraising/rs-holland