A CAMPAIGN to help fund an autism support dog for five-year-old Hollie Jarman has received a welcome boost from a garden centre lending its support.

Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre at Monkton Heathfield is currently raising awareness and selling doggie sewing kits for the Hound4Hollie appeal.

The appeal is being run to help raise funds for Hollie, who needs a specially trained autism service dog, which is not available on the NHS.

Hollie's father, Daren Jarman, said: "We are absolutely thrilled that Monkton Elm has decided to get involved with our appeal and we love the doggie sewing kits that are being sold to help raise money. We have already seen lots of people posting pictures of their finished dogs on social media and they look great."

The garden centre have teamed up with their Craft Centre who put together the doggie sewing kit, which can be bought for £3.99 with £2 of each sale going to the charity.

Liz Woodward, pet centre manager at the garden centre said: "I recently spotted Hollie's family's calls for people to help raise money for the Help4Hollie appeal and thought it would be a great cause to get involved with.

"We currently have collection tins and buckets dotted all over the garden centre and we are planning some exciting events for the future," she said.

The Jarman family need to raise £6,500 for the dog's specialised training which will help Hollie cross the road safely and prevent her from running off when in public.

Andre Matos, Dog Trainer at Autism Support Dogs UK, said: “We’re currently training Jasmine, a three-year-old female black Labrador, to help Hollie.

“Jasmine will have lots of important tasks to do that will help Hollie. Her presence will keep Hollie calm and give her confidence. Jasmine will also help Hollie cope with bed time by sleeping in her bedroom with her. She will be a friend for life and will help reduce Hollie’s anxiety levels," he said.

Anyone interested in donating towards the appeal can do so by visiting http://www.gofundme.com/rd9e6wk.