TAILS are wagging at the prospect of a big community event for dogs and their owners.

The charity-supporting Weymouth Big Beach Walkies is held on the last Sunday of April and the first Sunday in October each year - before and after summer restrictions on dog walking.

This year it's on Sunday, April 28 - the last Sunday dog owners can enjoy a walk on Weymouth Beach until restrictions end on October 1.

It's organised by DogFriendly.Social, a group created in Weymouth to spread awareness of dog-friendly businesses with its blue and white stickers. Displaying the stickers at premises allows dog owners easily identify places they can bring their four-legged friends.

Linda Stevenson from the group said of this year's beach walkies event: "This year our chosen charity is Margaret Green Animal Rescue, which is caring for more dogs surrendered through no fault of their own.

"Our events are free; we ask dog owners who attend for a £2 donation and all proceeds will go directly to Margaret Green.

"We give free poo bags and dog treats which can be collected from our gazebo, from 10am till 12.30pm. The walk will start from the Weymouth Pavilion end on the beach in the unrestricted dog/events area.

"The walk starts at 10.30am walking to the stone groyne at Greenhill, then return to the start - or continue the walk to Bowleaze Cove.

"We ask all dog owners to consider other beach users during our walk, and to keep their dogs close."