Dog owners stride out for walkies to help charity

More than 40 sponsored dog walks are being staged across the country to raise money for a Cornwall-based animal charity.

Volunteers from the Cinnamon Trust help older pet owners with the day-to-day work of looking after their animals.

The charity's annual Big Walk event aims to help raise awareness of the work of its volunteers.

Last year's bank holiday event attracted more than 730 people and 300 dogs nationally.

The Cinnamon Trust said it helped more than 150,000 people a year with their animals and it runs two sanctuaries, including the Poldarves sanctuary, near Penzance.

The charity also cares for, fosters and rehomes pets of all shapes and sizes whose owners have died. There are currently 20 dogs at the charity's Poldarves sanctuary - most of their owners have died or are no longer able to care for them.

Sanctuary manager Eileen Keeling told BBC Radio Cornwall: "A lot of them come in and they are quite shut down because they have been bereaved themselves. With all the love and care they get, they become very happy little dogs."

The actor Brian Blessed, a Cinnamon Trust supporter, said in a special video message for the event: "In this dark age, it’s so important to do such wonderful things, for the terminally ill and older people, and for all kinds of people.

"My lovely 15-year-old rescue Roxy and I will be doing the walk. It will be a great, great day. I look forward to seeing you."

Patrick Williams, the trust's chief executive, added: "This event is more than just going out for a stroll. "It reflects the essence of our work, which is kindness and community woven together."

(Story source: BBC News)