The world's biggest dog walk will be held in the North-East again next month.

The Catherine Cookson Great North Dog Walk, held each year in South Shields, is in the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest event of its kind.

This year, organisers of the 3.5 mile walk, which raises cash for dog charities, are hoping for more than 5,000 entrants, after attracting 4,372 pooches in 2003.

The walk takes place on Sunday, June 20, starting at 10am. For further details, write to: Dog Walk 2004, PO Box 305, South Shields NE34 0WW, or e-mail info@cooksondogwalk.co.uk