DOG owners in Swindon and beyond are invited to take a morning walk with their furry friends in aid of Prospect Hospice next month.

The Wroughton charity’s Sunday Walkies will see pets, and their owners, gather at Marlborough Cricket Club on Sunday, May 18 for a five-mile sponsored countryside stroll around the town.

The new event was set up to allow pet lovers who were not able to take their canines on the Walk of Memories this year, as the venue did not allow dogs on its grounds, to sign up to an equally relaxing and enjoyable fundraiser.

Organiser Genevieve Arney said: “The Walk of Memories changed venues and dogs were not allowed so we wanted to offer our supporters who have dogs something else.

“It’s something we had been looking to do for a long time and it would be lovely if it became an annual event.

“We are aware that quite a lot of our events are active, such as bike rides and swims so we try to balance it out and make it easier for everyone to get involved. This is a nice event the whole family can participate in.”

To register for Prospect Hospice’s Sunday Walkies, which is due to start at 10.30am, visit the charity’s website www.prospect-hospice.net/ walkies Registration is £8 and participants are asked to set a minimum fundraising target of £80.