Raise pounds with your hound

Dog walkers are being encouraged to take their pooches on a special walk, to raise money for charity in memory of a community stalwart.

Pawprints in the Sand is taking place on Sunday, July 29, in aid of Cancer Research UK.

It will start at 10am at Red Row Welfare and follow a coast and country route of around five miles around Druridge Bay.

The event is in honour of Martin Smith, from Red Row, who passed away in October last year, aged 53.

A hard-working family-man, he played an active role in the parish of East Chevington.

The charity dog walk comes on the back of the successful Martin’s Walk of Life event, which was staged earlier this year and raised thousands of pounds.

Entry to the dog walk is £5 per family. People can take part even if they don’t have a dog.

There will also be a doggy raffle, and a family-friendly one too, as well as refreshments and doggy treats at Red Row Brick Club afterwards.

Supporters can bring along any spare dog food and blankets on the day, which will be donated to Alnwick-based dog sanctuary, SHAK.

Carolyn Reynolds, from Cancer Research UK, said: “Join us on Sunday, July 29, for a great way to let your dog take the lead and raise pounds with your hound to help us to beat cancer sooner.

“One-in-two of us will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime. Research saves lives and Cancer Research UK receives no government funding for its vital research.

“So every step you take really matters.”