Dog walk leads the way again

Now in its 26th year the Great North Dog Walk was expected to attract more 26,000 canines today.

Organiser Tony Carlisle was delighted with the turn out to the Leas in South Shields and he believes he’s well on course for another record.

He said: “Who would have thought 26 years later we’d still be doing this - but here we are and I believe there’s another 25 dog walks in me.

“There’s been a brilliant turn out, I think we’re definitely on course for another record, you can see by the amount of people here - there’s far more than there was this time last year

“We will find out for certain by the end of the day when all the numbers are in.”

People travelled from across the country to take part in three mile walk which was sponsored by Pedigree.

Rachel Price from Whiteleas, South Shields turned up with her Chihuahua Daisy.

The 23-year-old said: “This is the first time I’ve ever taken part in the walk, Daisy has only just gone one so I thought I’d bring her along.

“She’s quite lazy and only has little legs, so I’m not sure how far she’ll get but she’s having fun sniffing all the other dogs.”

Harry Dawson, six, took part in the event with his dad Ian, 40 and their dog Sally the German Shepherd.

Ian, from Fulwell, Sunderland said: “We spotted the walk on Facebook so thought we’d come along - it’s our first time, but we’re both looking forward to it.”

Connor Storey, 21 and his girlfriend Rosie Nesbit, 42, both from Newcastle, brought three Siberian huskies and a springer spaniel.

Connor said: “This is my fourth walk and Rosie’s second one, it’d a great day out and the dogs love it.”

James Brown, 66, from Washington, was getting into the spirit with his German Shepherds Roxy and Max.

He said: “Max is certainly enjoying himself he won’t stop barking. The dogs always have a nice time and it’s a pleasant walk.”