Dog walkers are urged to boost donations to Helen & Douglas House in an event supported by celebrity vet Joe Inglis.

The Oxford charity hopes hundreds of pet owners will turn out with their dogs to support its first ever sponsored dog walk.

The TV vet, who made his name in the hit BBC series Vets in Practice, will judge a series of fun competitions to find the most handsome dog and the dog with the waggiest tail.

Pooches in the Park will take place on March 25 at Cornbury Park in Charlbury with the aim of raising £6,000 for the hospice.

There will be a choice of five-mile or one-mile routes for walkers to complete and all manner of stylish pet accessories will be on sale in aid of the charity.

An agility course will put energetic dogs and their owners to the test, inspired by displays by the professionals, The Up’ N Over agility dog training club.

Organiser Emma Minshull, of Helen & Douglas House, said: “People spend lots of money on things for their pets so we’re hoping to tap into that.

“We hope it will be a colourful day with lots for people to do.

“People have been very enthusiastic about the idea so far and we’re hoping for about 200 pets and 400 people on the day.

“The display should be really good and will be a bit like Crufts with dogs jumping through hoops.”

Sarah Westmoreland, who will be taking her two Lurchers Abbi and Travis, plus Lucas, a Retriever Collie crossbreed, said: “I can’t wait for this event, a first for Helen & Douglas House.

“An event focusing on ‘man’s best friend’ is a great way to bring people together and I am sure a park full of pooches will result in some great fun and games.”

Pooches In The Park starts at 10am for more information call Emma on 01865 799150 or email eminshull@helenanddouglas.org.uk