The event, which took place last Thursday, was well attended by residents, family, friends and members of the public who boosted funds by more than £300 on the day.

Every visitor donated £1 for entry and all proceeds from a raffle, bric-a-brac stall and the sale of home-baked products will go towards the target.

This amount will be added to funds already generated by McCarthy & Stone who have pledged to donate £100 from the sale of each of the 42 private retirement apartments at Strathmore Court to the charity. In addition, £1 has been donated for every visitor to the show complex since April.

The opportunity was taken to present the first cheque of £1,185 to Mike Bird, the Guide Dogs' corporate fundraiser for Scotland & Northern Ireland.

Suzanne McLagan, marketing manager for McCarthy & Stone, said:

"We think it is a very worthwhile cause and with a training school in Forfar, our fundraising activity fits in with our company policy to support the local community.

"Our aim is to raise £5,000 which is the amount needed to train a puppy."

Mike Bird said: "We are delighted to have McCarthy & Stone's support for our Guide Dog Training School in Forfar. Their donations will help to provide independence and support for blind people all over Scotland. Today's event at Strathmore Court was a great success, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves."

So far eleven of the apartments at Strathmore Court have been sold with four more under reservation. A community is evolving with a few residents from Forfar and others moving from further away to be nearer family who live in the area.

The development in Kirkton Place offers a mix of 42 one-and two-bedroom private apartments with on-site facilities tailored to older people's needs.

These include a 24-hour personal emergency service, a house manager to look after the general housekeeping, security TV at the main entrance and a lift to all floors.

There is a central lounge for social events, a fully maintained laundry room, and a guest suite where visiting friends and family can stay overnight.

Along with gardening, window-cleaning, water charges and buildings insurance, all the services are covered by a single monthly charge.

For further information call the sales office at Strathmore Court on 01307 465357.