A CHARITY is calling on pet lovers and their four-legged friends to take part in a sponsored dog walk.

Durham-based children’s charity Heel and Toe have teamed up with the National Trust to organise a fund raising event in the grounds of Gibside.

The two-mile walk on Saturday, August 23 will take families past Gibside Chapel and down the estate’s famous avenue of trees.

Amanda Tweedy, from Heel and Toe, said: “We are so grateful to the National Trust and Gibside for allowing us to hold our first Sponsored Dog Walk at their wonderful venue and to have exclusive use of the gardens for the walk and a private picnic afterwards.

“Gibside is a really lovely venue for families to bring their dogs along to explore and we are really looking forward to seeing dogs of all shapes and sizes at the event”.

Heel and Toe, founded in 2008, helps around 100 North-east children every week by providing free therapy for children with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities.

Every pet completing the course will receive a “doggie bag” and rosette. The walk, which is pushchair and wheelchair friendly, is also open to anyone who doesn’t own a dog but who wants to raise money for the cause.

Registration is £10 per family and further information is available from Amanda Tweedy on 0191-386-8606.