The Canine Defence League is visiting towns and villages in the Easington district to microchip dogs, which will enable stray or stolen pets to be reunited with their owners.

The campaign began on April 14 and has been hailed a success by Easington District Council, which is working with the charity programme.

Microchipping is being offered for £9.50. People on benefits can have their pets microchipped for free.

Stephanie Gardner, environmental warden with the council, said more than 80 dogs have been chipped within the first two days.

She said: "We are very pleased, the programme has had an excellent response.

"Based on the reaction from the first few days we believe that by the end of the programme we will have chipped several hundred dogs.

"The people from the Canine Defence League have been very impressed with the turn out in our district and together we are keen to run more of these events across the year."

The microchipping service will run until Wednesday.

The programme also aims to educate owners about the laws on dog fouling.