The 30th anniversary of the Great North Dog Walk cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic

The event was due to be held on Sunday, September 27 with founder Tony Carlisle saying that the decision to cancel has been made with a “heavy heart”.

The former teacher stated that the event could not be made “coronavirus secure” and there was no other choice but to cancel this year’s event.

Tony said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly, after many meetings, consultations and conference calls, we must consider the health and safety of the public, our traders, our activity providers, our sponsors and all of our team of volunteers within the guidelines set out by the Government and South Tyneside Council.

"We know the event is loved by so many and we are truly devastated not to be welcoming all of you as visitors and your dogs from the UK and abroad this September.

“This event is much more than just a ‘day’. It's the blood, sweat and tears of some very passionate individuals/volunteers who live, breath and work with dogs everyday.

“The event is the result of years of passion, dedication and investment to create an annual one of a kind celebration of our love of dogs."

This year’s event was set to be a special one, as it would have been the 30th anniversary – however planning is underway for next year with the date earmarked as Sunday, June 6 2021.

The yearly event came under threat in February when Chinese firm Pawfit pulled out as a sponsor due to early unrest from the coronavirus pandemic.

Local businessman, Mark Jensen stepped in to help his former teacher and ensured at that time that the event would go ahead.

Following the cancellation, Tony placed on record his thanks to Mark for sponsoring the event, along with the Dogs Trust, the RNLI, Green Poop Bag, the Little Haven Hotel, Sapphire Engineering (NE) Ltd, Marine Scaffolding Ltd and Metro Radio.

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