A SPANIEL is preparing to put its best paw forward in memory of his owner’s grandmother.

Lucy Smith’s spaniel Bruce is leading the way at this year’s annual Bark in the Park sponsored dog walk, in aid of Butterwick House Children’s Hospice.

Lucy said: “The Butterwick helped by Grandma to get better, and then not be in any pain when her time came. I think the Butterwick are amazing, but need as many donations as they can get to keep doing as well as they are.”

Bark in the Park is a three-mile sponsored dog walk, which takes place on May 12 in the grounds of Preston Hall Museum and Park.

Anyone wanting to take part can call Butterwick’s fundraising hotline on 01642-628930 or sign up online on www.butterwick.org.uk/barkinthepark2013.

Entry costs £5 per dog and every registered dog will receive a free goody bag.

Butterwick House Hospice in Stockton cares for children aged between birth and 19 years from across Teesside, County Durham and North Yorkshire. There are also two adult Butterwick Hospices, in Bishop Auckland and Stockton.