Staffordshire bull terriers often get a bad name but three women are on a mission to change the public’s perception of the breed.

Jess Swadling, 21, her partner Sab Clark, 25, and her sister Rachael Swadling, 18, are organising a convention with agility courses, information stalls and fun activities for dogs and owners alike.

The trio are hoping to host the event at the Great Lines Heritage Park, Gillingham, later this year, and hope it will become an annual occasion to raise positive awareness of the breed.

Jess and Sab own two staffies, Kali and Chelsea, who are both two years old.

Last year, Chelsea was praised after finding an unconscious man who had fallen into bushes in Cornwallis Playground, Maidstone.

Jess said: “They’re so lovely, they are such great family dogs. Our two are amazing with children and other animals, and are always happy to see people.

“I don’t even know an aggressive staff, I think a lot of the time it’s not the dogs themselves, it’s the owners. Any dog can be aggressive but it’s all about how it’s been brought up.”

Miss Swadling added: “They’re always looked over at the rescue centres because people think they’re scary, they’re going to kill my children, attack my other dogs, that’s not the case at all.”

They began looking for a staffie to finish off their family after they moved in together, but were unable to adopt one from a rescue centre because they also own cats.

And then they spotted Chelsea on Gumtree – her previous owners were having a baby and did not have room to keep her.

Miss Swadling said: “We fell in love, arranged a meeting and it was a done deal.”

They have had Chelsea for almost 18 months, and Kali joined the family three months ago.

The women are in the processes of planning the event and so far one man has offered his bouncy castle and local businesses have donated prizes for the raffle.

For more call 07902 818175 or search Staffie Convention on Facebook.