DOG owners are being invited to a free health check for their pets in an effort to cut the number of strays on the streets.

The Dogs Trust has teamed up with Durham City Council to offer canine check-ups over the next few weeks.

Owners living in the postcode areas DH1, DH4, DH6 and DH7 are invited to take their dog for a package of help, including a veterinary check-up, a full set of vaccinations, neutering at a local vet, worming and flea treatment, plus a microchip, all for free.

The health check has been set up by The Dogs Trust as a way of reducing the number of stray dogs - thought to total up to 7,500 a year across the North-East, of which about 500 were destroyed because their owners could not be traced.

A mobile unit will visit Sherburn Leisure Centre, in Front Street, Sherburn, from next Monday to Friday, and Annand House, in John Street North, Meadowfield, from Monday, May 2, to Friday, May 5, with health checks running from 11am to 3pm at both venues.

Dogs Trust campaign manager Denise Gilgallon said: "Our previous campaigns within the area were hugely successful, with 111 dogs benefiting from the health check.

"We are therefore hoping that our latest campaign will be just as successful, if not more."

For more information, call 07739 255043 or 07831 618862.

Owners must be over 18 and provide proof that they live in the selected postcode area.