Haskins Forest Lodge garden centre has chosen Alton-based charity Dogs for Autism as its charity of the year 2024.

The charity trains and provides assistance dogs to autistic people of any age. Its specific aims are to mitigate the disabling impacts people with autism can face, forging a bond between owners and dogs to make a real difference.

Haskins raised more than £4,000 for Dogs for Autism in 2023 and is planning more fundraising activities for the year ahead. Its most successful event during 2023 was a charity raffle which raised more than £600.

Simon Hughes, general manager at Haskins Forest Lodge, said: “Haskins Forest Lodge is looking forward to supporting our chosen charity for 2024, Dogs for Autism.

“We’re all excited to build on the great fundraising efforts of last year, with lots of plans already in place in aid of the incredible charity, from summer quiz nights collections to bake sales.​”