CANINES and their companions went walkies at the weekend for an inaugural doggy day out fundraiser.

Nearly 400 four legged friends and their well-behaved owners turned out for the first ever St Teresa’s Hospice, Bark in the Park event.

Dogs big and small took on the one mile sponsored walk around South Park, Darlington, to help raise thousands of pounds towards the cost of the soon to be opened £1.2 million new ten-bed inpatient unit on Woodlands Road.

Scott Marshall, of St Teresa’s Hospice, said: “Our initial target for the day was 150 dogs and their owners but the response we have had to our first Bark in the Park has been incredible."

The event was officially opened by Darlington Mayor Cllr Tom Nutt, and was supported by Vets 4 Pets, Pets at Home Darlington, Harringtons and Pet Pals Darlington.

Prizes for best dressed dog and dog with the waggiest tail were won by Border Collie Chippy, dressed as Batman and his owner Jen Clayton, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Charlie and owner Catherine Dulston, who each collected a £10 Pets at Home Voucher.

Goody bags containing dog leads, biscuits, toy treats and discount vouchers were provided for all dogs completing the walk by Pets at Home Darlington.

Store manager Mark Deighton said: “I know first-hand the fantastic work that hospices do so I was determined to make sure that we could help to support the event.”

Dog owner Christine Blakeburn, who walked her St Bernard, Louis, with husband Mark and Scruffy, the Lurcher, added: “The response from dog owners has been unbelievable and we’ve had such a good time – I’ll definitely be back again next year – I’d be barking not to.”