DOG lovers are being asked to grab their leads and take their canine companions for a walk to raise money for charity.

The Great British Dog Walk is back for its sixth year and will be held at Raby Castle in Staindrop, Darlington, on Sunday March 15.

The event is run by national assistance dog charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, and hopes to raise as much money as possible to train dogs to alert deaf people to important life-saving sounds such as smoke and intruder alarms.

There will be two walking options on the day, either an 8k or 3k route, as well as a variety of activities such as a Hearing Dog demonstration and dog show.

Elizabeth Dobson, audiology store director at Specsavers Darlington, sponsors of the walk, said: "The Great British Dog Walk is an excellent way for people to have fun, get some exercise, meet like-minded people and perhaps most importantly, meet lots of cute dogs while supporting a good cause."

Gill Yeates, Hearing Dogs national community fundraising manager, said: "Every walker will directly help us to train more dogs to change the lives of deaf people, so we greatly appreciate the support."

To sign up to the Great British Dog Walk at Raby Castle, or for more information, visit greatbritishdogwalk.org