ABOUT 50 dog owners and their pets went walkies to raise more than £1,000 for an Oxford-based hospice.

Sobell House Hospice, at the Churchill Hospital in Headington, staged the first Rover Ramble fundraiser on Sunday.

Owners walked their dogs on a four-mile route around Hampton Gay near Kidlington.

Among the owners were Agnes Bowler, from Kidlington, and her daughter Clare Russell, from Didcot.

Mrs Bowler walked her 12-year-old West Highland Terrier Shonagh while Ms Russell brought along her 17-week-old Cocker Spaniel Poodle Cross, Fern.

Ms Russell, 33, said: “It was a lovely route taking in farmland and woodland and there were about 50 people walking round with their dogs.

“I’m hoping to raise as much money as possible for the charity and I’m looking forward to next year’s walk.”

Sobell House Hospice spokesman Kevin Game said: “Our first Rover Ramble went very well and we expect it to raise at least £1,000.”