DOG owners are being invited to take their pets to town for a celebration of all things canine.

The first ever Northallerton Dog Week runs until August 5, and is a chance for people to take their dogs with them for a day’s shopping or a coffee.

The event has been organised by Northallerton BID (Business Improvement District) run by Northallerton businesses who join together to stage new events and promote the town.

The organisation is releasing a Dog Friendly Shopping Map in print and online which is available free from the tourist office and high street retailers, to show all the places people can take their dog to shop, eat, play and stay in Northallerton, including places dogs can have a treat or drink all year round.

To mark this week’s event, the Joe Cornish Gallery is staging two dog-inspired exhibitions. The first is a photographic exhibition celebrating an eclectic mix of dogs from the Italian piazzas of Venice, entitled Life on a Lead.

Kate Somervell’s images were taken during the winter months when Venetians like to dress their dogs to protect them from the cold.

Also on show is Emma Stothards’ Dog Sculptures in Wire and Willow. Emma is a North Yorkshire sculptor who has exhibited her work at the Chelsea Flower Show and the Prince of Wales’ Highgrove Estate.

Dogs and their owners are welcome at the venue, which will provide dog treats in the café and a gallery dog trail.

People can also share a photo of their dog on Northallerton BID’s Facebook page to win a prize.

Northallerton BID manager Julia Chance said: “There are lots of places you can shop in Northallerton with your dog and we want our visitors to know that in Northallerton, dog owners don’t need to leave their dog outside or at home to come for a day’s shopping or to meet friends for coffee.

“There are many businesses who welcome dogs and their owners, if in doubt, just ask or check out our website for more information.”