AROUND 60 eager pooches and their beloved owners gathered in Witton Park yesterday for a ‘Big Walkies’ sponsored mass dog walk.

Many breeds were represented and wagging tails and barking could be seen and heard all over the park as the canine convoy prepared for the event to help raise funds for the Altham based RSPCA East Lancashire Branch.

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The dogs followed either a three or five kilometre route around the country park.

Yesterday’s gathering followed the success of last September’s inaugural mass dog walk.

Dogs of all shapes and sizes were welcomed and and the dogs all got their own bandana to wear on the day, whilst their walkers received an RSPCA Big Walkies T-shirt.

RSPCA Lancashire East branch manager Ken Harrison said: “This was a really brilliant opportunity for the community to come together to get behind a truly good cause.

“We are a nation of animal lovers and it was a chance to make lots of new doggy friends - and human ones too.”

Some of the RSPCA’s rescue dogs took part in Big Walkies including Flash.

He was found neglected but was rehabilitated by the RSPCA and now has new owners Carl and Emma Egan who volunteer at the Altham animal centre.

Flash was given the honour of leading the pack.

Also amongst those taking part were Keri Steele from Darwen who was there with her daughter Phoebe and mother, Edna Marsh.

They were with her rescue greyhounds, Bert and Dilly.

Keri said: “The dog welfare charities do so much to look after and re-home dogs.

“We’re so glad to be here and help raise a few pounds and it’s a great chance for the family and pets to all get together.”

Chloe Malone and her partner Scott Newton, from Witton, had brought their French bulldogs, Blue and Minnie.

Chloe said: “I’m on the lookout for other French bulldogs for playmates for my two.

“It’s great everyone gathering like this.”