The donation forms part of a longstanding partnership between the homebuilder, which has a golden retriever mascot, and the charity, and recognises the important, life-enhancing work carried out by Canine Partners across the country.

The donation from David Wilson Homes will go towards the training of the dogs, who undergo rigorous training to help assist with physical tasks, as well as providing psychological and social benefits including increased independence, confidence, social interaction and self-esteem.

Through the partnership, David Wilson Homes will help Canine Partners meet their target to match 80 trained dogs with people who have physical disabilities.

On hand to accept the donation at David Wilson Homes’ Countesswells development in Aberdeen was Cedar, Canine Partners’ demo dog, along with his handler Els Saxton, an aftercare and demo instructor.

David Palmer, managing director of Barratt & David Wilson Homes North Scotland, said: “Canine Partners provides a vital service to hundreds of people across the country, but training the dogs is a long and expensive process. Through our longstanding partnership we’re really pleased to be able to provide support for these costs, be that through donations or by recently sponsoring a new canine recruit, Wilson.

“Improving the quality of life for people is embedded in everything we do as a business, whether that’s creating new communities or building high quality homes. We take the same approach with our charity partners, working with those who are making a real difference to so many people.”

David Watson, corporate relationship manager at Canine Partners, said: “We are extremely grateful to Barratt Developments for their support to Canine Partners with their recent donation of £500. This donation will go towards helping us to train and provide assistance dogs to adults with disabilities across the UK. Our amazing dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering security, companionship and practical help with everyday tasks.”