DOG lovers will be able to bring their loyal friends to Saltburn Food Festival as organisers plan to set up a 'doggy chill out zone'.

They have been working with several dog-friendly businesses on the festival fringe to ensure people can enjoy the day without taking your pet into the centre of the site.

Plans include a doggy chill out zone, a walking and boarding service and even a hotel selling non-alcoholic beer brewed locally especially for thirsty consumers of the four-legged variety.

Organiser Lorna Jackson said: “A food festival is a really bad environment for a dog, with all the people and the noise – not to mention the delicious hot food being eaten all around them.

“I’m a dog owner myself and I certainly wouldn’t take my Dalmatian, Lily, in among those crowds. But we do want everyone to enjoy the day with us and we’ve come up with some great ideas to help dog owners who can’t simply leave their pets at home.”

The chill out zone is in Station Street’s Destinations café, which is currently in the process of being rebranded as Milo’s dog-friendly café.

The café’s new owner Janet Dalton said: “You don’t need a dog to come in but if you have one you’re very welcome. Last year I came to the festival as a customer and noticed a lot of people had dogs in among the very large crowds. That can be problematic for the dogs and also for other people."

The Festival takes place on Sunday, July 29 from 10am to 6pm and admission is free. A park and ride system will be in operation from Guisborough, Brotton and the outskirts of Saltburn. For further information and updates visit saltburnfoodfestival.co.uk