Dogs and their owners can raise vital funds for charity with a sponsored walk at a country park.

The first ever Pooch Mooch will take place on Sunday (March 18) at 12.30pm.

Dog lovers and their loyal companions are encouraged to see how many laps of the Shorne Woods Country Park 1.4km course they can do.

It costs £5 for each dog to enter, with accompanying humans allowed to join them for free.

All dogs will receive a doggy bag and the pooch who raises the most for north Kent charity the EllenorLions Hospice, the Messenger's charity of the year, will win a Luxury Dog Hamper.

For more information contact 01322 221315 or e-mail fundraising@ellenorlions.org