GALA Cricket Club and local animal charity Borders Pet Rescue hope the town’s first sponsored dog walking event will be a howling success.

The two groups are hosting the canine-inspired day at the Cricket Club’s scenic Meigle Park ground on Sunday, March 13, which is open to all types of walkers and dogs.

Three courses of around one, two and five kilometres will be available at the event, while microchipping will be offered by Borders Pet Rescue and Galedin Vets will also be present to provide advice and services to dog owners.

Food and drink and a raffle, with a top prize of a signed Scotland T20 cricket World Cup strip, will also be available, with a dog agility course and cricket games for youngsters also planned.

The dog walk aims to raise awareness of both Gala CC and Borders Pet Rescue, with any proceeds raised being split between the two organisations.

Kenny Paterson from Gala CC told the Border Telegraph: “There have been plenty of runs scored at Meigle Park, but this is the first time we have encouraged dogs to walk around our ground.

“The idea came about after the club was chosen to take part in CricketScotland’s Thriving Clubs programme, which aims to make clubs more welcoming and enterprising.

“We have one of the most scenic grounds in the country, and we hope the walks around Meigle Park – including the 5km Meigle Hill route - will provide owners and their pets with an enjoyable day.

“We are delighted Borders Pet Rescue have agreed to join us, along with Galedin Vets who will offer dog owners their expert advice and valuable services.”

Scottish Borders Council is also supporting the event as part of its new dog fouling strategy, which is due to be launched in the near future to coincide with the fixed penalty for irresponsible owners who allow their pets to foul being doubled on April 1 from £40 to £80.

Simon Cullen of Borders Pet Rescue added: “We have previously held dog walking events in other areas of the region but this will be our first in Galashiels, so we are delighted to team up with the Cricket Club and are looking forward to seeing the response from dog owners in the town.

“We will be offering microchipping for only £5, which is timely given the new legislation coming into force on 1 April which requires all dogs to be chipped, and there will be plenty other entertainment on offer on the day.”

Gala CC and Borders Pet Rescue’s sponsored dog walking event has an 11am for 11.30am start, with a charge of £5 per owner.

Anyone seeking a sponsorship form for the walk should phone 01896 849090 or pick one up from Borders Pet Rescue’s Galashiels charity shop in Channel Street.

All dogs must be kept on a lead during the walk.