THE Big Dog Walk will take place this Sunday to raise vital funds for a leading animal charity.

The event will be held in Chatelherault Country Park and The Dogs Trust is hoping local dog lovers - along with their four-legged friends - are ready to put their best foot forward to take part.

The Dogs Trust, which has a rehoming centre in Glasgow, is the charity partner for this year’s series of walks.

Russell Benson, Community Fundraising Team Manager for Dogs Trust, said: “We are so excited that the Big Dog Walk is at Chatelherault Country Park.

"It's always wonderful to spend time with our dogs, and that has certainly been true over the last 18 months given the difficult times everyone has faced.

"For dog lovers and their canine companions to now be able to get back together and take part in the Big Dog Walk is fantastic and we’re hoping that lots of ex-residents of Dogs Trust will join in the fun.

“Anyone taking part will be able to raise funds for Dogs Trust and every penny will help us make sure we can continue to give the dogs still in our care everything they need until they find their forever homes.”

The walk will give owners and their dogs the chance to choose from either a 2k, 5k or 10k route and walk times have been staggered for the comfort and safety of all taking part. New for this year is a puppy socialisation walk, for all those with new additions to the family.

As well as taking part in the walk, dogs and owners can enjoy fun games and surprises around the route and the event village where there will be plenty of have-a-go activities for dogs such as a Dogstacle course, shopping, expert advice, a fun dog show and plenty of refreshments. Nicole Cooper, Managing Director of Touchpoint Live Media, organiser of the Big Dog Walk, added: “Supporting charities is at the heart of the events and has been for many years, and there has never been a more important time to support charities than following the pandemic. That's why we are delighted to be partnering with Dogs Trust. We look forward to welcoming our dog loving community to the Big Dog Walk.”

As official partner of the Big Dog Walk, Dogs Trust has some free tickets available for supporters. To find out more, go to www.dogstrust.org.uk/bigdogwalk To find out more about the dogs currently waiting for forever homes at Dogs Trust please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk