Members of Mansfield-based Apex Martial Arts Academy raised £2,225 last year for the charity Hounds For Heroes — and were invited to present their cheque at world-famous dog show Crufts in March.

Hounds For Heroes provides specially-trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled men and women of the UK Armed Forces and the emergency services.

The charity has a small army of puppy parents, who help with the first year of training.

The puppies then enter advanced training to turn them from well-behaved dogs into fully-trained assistance dogs.

They can improve the quality of life of their owner by opening doors, picking up items, getting money from ATMs, opening train doors and more.

The dogs also bring companion-ship and love that can be missing when someone becomes disabled.

Apex presented its donation to the charity’s founder, ex-Royal Navy Serviceman Allen Parton, and his two dogs, EJ and Rookie. Pictured with them are some of the Apex instructors and students.

For further information about Hound For Heroes, go to www.houndsforheroes.com

For information about class times and venues for Apex Martial Arts Academy, text on 07742522867 or find them on Facebook at Apex 100.

PHOTO: Ian Morrison @Dogstarphoto