SCORES of dog lovers have signed up their canine companions for St Cuthbert’s Hospice’s fundraising Paws for a Cause walk.

The event, one of the Durham hospice’s biggest money-spinners, takes place at the Riverside in Chester-le-Street on Sunday, October 12.

Event organiser Hannah Bunce said: “Entries are coming in thick and fast.

“It’s a really fun event, and once more it has captured the imagination of local people with dogs.

“First and foremost it’s a friendly event. Everyone - including the dogs – seems to get on.”

Dianne Whalley, of Abbey Vets, said: “It’s great that Paws for a Cause is this year being held in Chester-le-Street.

“We’ve been involved for many years now and it really has a marvellous atmosphere.

“We do bring along a practice nurse in case there is a need for first aid but there never has been so far.

“The people and the dogs all seem to get along just fine. The dogs, who enjoy the socialisation aspect, soon settle down and then seem to walk in one direction as a pack.”

Mrs Whalley and her husband Christopher, Abbey Vets’ senior veterinary surgeon, will be walking their one-year-old Deerhound, Esca, and Tarka their six-year-old Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla.

She said: "There is a lot of clinical evidence which proves that spending quality time with your dog causes the body to release endorphins which is shown to reduce stress levels and even lower blood pressure.

“The Paws for a Cause event is all about health and well-being for dogs and their owners.”

The event starts at 10am. Visit www.stcuthbertshospice.com to register to take part.