THREE-YEAR-OLD Martha Barker has been checking out some of the canine competitors ahead of a sponsored walk for Durham's St Cuthbert's Hospice.

Martha, of Redcar, will be a judge in the Cutest Dog Competition at the annual Paws for a Cause, which will be held at Riverside Park, Chester le Street, on Sunday, October 12.

Lily Axworthy, event co-ordinator at the hospice, said: “Martha and everybody else are bound to have a great time at Paws for a Cause. Everybody always does.

“We’re calling all dog owners to mark October 12 in their diaries to bring their four legged friends to have fun and raise funds at the same time.

“In the past four years, Paws for a Cause has brought in tens of thousands of pounds to help run our hospice which needs at total of £1.3m in donations alone to keep going.

“Paws for a Cause is a very popular event and we’re really hoping that bringing it to Chester-le-Street this year, and the lovely Riverside Park, will attract a great many dog lovers, their families and friends.

“Last year we had nearly 120 dogs and around 300 people with them. It was a great success and we’re expecting a great turn-out this year too.”

As well as the 1.5m or 3m dog walk and the Cutest Dog competition, there will be there will contests, including Dog Most Like Its Owner, Best Fancy Dress Dog and Best in Show.

The event starts at 10am. Entry is £10 a per dog. For more information visit stcuthbertshospice.com