DOG owners can take advantage of a free "MoT" with a health check for their pets.

Just like taking a car for its annual check up, the Dogs Trust and Middlesbrough Council are urging local dog owners to do the same with their four-legged friends.

All owners within the TS3 9 postcode area can take their dog for a veterinary check-up, a full set of vaccinations, worming treatment and flea treatment plus a microchip, totally free.

As part of their MOT, all dogs will be booked to have a neutering operation - again free - at a participating veterinary practice.

Dogs Trust staff will book the operation, and a fortnight after the MoT will take the dog from owner to vet and back again.

The scheme has been set up by the UK's largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust, which is dedicated to reducing the number of healthy stray dogs that are destroyed because new homes cannot be found.

The health checks will take place at Thorntree Community Centre, Birkhall Road, Thorntree, Middlesbrough, until tomorrow, from 10am to 4pm.