ONE OF the country’s biggest dog walks will take place in Debdale Park, Gorton, Manchester on Sunday May 12 to raise money for local charity - Manchester Dogs’ Home.

Organised by the Home and sponsored by Iams Petfood, the Annual Sponsored Dog Walk is Manchester Dogs’ Homes’ premier fund raising event of the year. The Annual Walk has attracted thousands of dog lovers over the past 11 years, many of the dogs taking part being ex-MDH residents and organisers are hoping to make 2002 a record-breaking year.

Dog owners from all over the country are invited to take part in this Dog-Help-Dog one mile sponsored walk around Debdale Park which recently won an award as it is so beautifully kept. Iams, dedicated to the health of the nation’s dogs, will be offering free personalised nutritionist advice for every dog along with a goody bag of food and gifts. There will be a full-time Vet in attendance for the dogs (you can have your dog microchipped for £10) and St John’s Ambulance for the humans.

The event takes place between 10am and 4pm on Sunday May 12 and is set to be a fun day out for all the family. Attractions include a face painter, caricaturist, children’s competitions, a treasure hunt and everything you could ever want to buy for your dog!

Organisers are hoping to attract even more dogs than last year when a staggering 700 people enjoyed the event - many of these people attended with two or three dogs. The national record for the biggest ever dog walk in the UK* stands at 2,872 dogs which could be in danger if all local dog lovers get involved.

Cynthia Marks, Administration Manager for Manchester Dogs’ Home says: “We are hoping to make the event bigger and better than ever this year. Initial support is very strong and with free gifts, nutritional advice from Iams, a full-time vet and family entertainment throughout the day, we’re confident that it will be a real success”.

*Figures from Guinness World Records