Helping young Isle of Wight people gain more independence through a canine helper doesn't come cheap.

But the Isle of Wight County Press's Gannett Foundation has helped Ability Dogs 4 Young People with a £3,236.93 donation to help it make ends meet.

The Sandown Airport-based charity supports around 40 young people with disabilities by supplying them with dogs that can do anything from aiding them on walks to helping load washing machines.

Scroll down to see the Ability Dogs 4 Young People in training.

The cash from the Gannett Foundation's Cash for Charities initiative, which saw £16,000 distributed across the south west and £128,000 given out across Britain, will be used for a very special purpose.

Christina Loosemore's dog Georgie reached retirement age and was adopted by her family.

Isle of Wight County Press: Christina Loosemore with Georgie (left) and Ricko.Christina Loosemore with Georgie (left) and Ricko. (Image: Ability Dogs 4 Young People)

She now has a replacement dog called Ricko who has been trained and is settling in with her but the money from Cash for Charities will go towards his ongoing training costs and upkeep.

Christina told the County Press: "Ricko is already a friend and is settling in nicely to his new life but the training was crucial."

The money was handed over by County Press editor Alan Marriott today at the puppy training sessions at the charity's HQ at Sandown Airport to Carol Court, founder and CEO of Ability Dogs 4 Young People Isle of Wight.

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Carol said: "We are so grateful that the people of the Isle of Wight voted for us in such big numbers, enabling us to harvest such a useful amount of cash.

"We have around 40 dogs currently working with young people and 20 more in training.

"The training starts with basic walking to heel etc but moves on to task training, such as good roadcraft and commands which allow them to do amazing jobs like loading a washing machine, picking up items, opening doors and helping dress and undress."

Carol said fund-raising was always at the front of their minds and they had to raise more than £300,000 a year to fund the work they do.

"That is why donations such as this are so vital and I thank County Press and the Gannett Foundation for thinking of us."

Alan Marriott, County Press editor, said: "It was so impressive to see the work this charity does...Gannett Foundation and the County Press are pleased to be involved."