HOME-START Winchester’s annual dog walk has raised £870 as keen walkers both with and without dogs took to the Hampshire countryside.

Setting off from the village of Kilmeston, two walks of different lengths departed, the longest just over three miles. In no time, walkers were welcomed back to Kilmeston Village Hall to mugs of hot soup, a plentiful ploughman’s and chocolate fudge brownies.

Hampshire Chronicle: The walks began in glorious spring sunshine on Thursday, April 13 with everyone returning to the village before the obligatory downpour.

Sponsor Dan Bliss of Gay Dog Boarding Kennels joined the walk with his lurcher Cody, and fellow doggie chums included tiny Yorkshire terrier Barry who kept up with the best of them.

Dan said: “We are very happy to support such a great charity as Home-Start and know how much work they do in the community with local families.

READ MORE: Dog walkers to raise money for family support charity with trek around village

“This is our sixth year of sponsorship, and we just keep coming back for more home-made soup.”

Home-Start Winchester trustee and fundraising events chairman Chrissie Barlow thanked all the helpers, paying special thanks to walk sponsors Gay Dog Boarding Kennels for their continued support. 

Hampshire Chronicle: She said: “This is always such a fun day and we’ve have never had to cancel a walk yet because of the weather - although dog owners are a tough breed and never seem phased by the conditions.

“The funds raised today will go towards supporting our six family groups, five in Winchester and one in Eastleigh.”