Calling all pooches and their owners – the Great British Dog Walk is coming to the Wimpole Estate next weekend.

Royston Crow: Oscar Williamson with his family and guide dog Rosie.Picture: Paul WilliamsonOscar Williamson with his family and guide dog Rosie.Picture: Paul Williamson (Image: Copyright (c) Paul Wilkinson 2017)

Calling all pooches and their owners – the Great British Dog Walk is coming to Wimpole Hall next weekend.

The event, organised by national charity Hearing Dogs, is back for a third year and more than 250 dogs of all shapes and sizes and around 400 adults, children and families are expected to take part at the grounds of the Arrington-based estate.

The event is one of 20 fun-filled walks taking place around the UK helping to ensure more hearing dogs can be trained to bring life-changing benefits to deaf people and help them reconnect with their family, friends, and community – like teenager Oscar Williamson from Cambs who was born profoundly deaf.

Oscar’s Mum, Hilary said: “Since guide dog Rosie joined our family 16 months ago it has been wonderful to see Oscar’s confidence and independence grow.

Royston Crow: The dog walk is back at Wimpole for a third year. Picture: Courtesy of Ellie-Louise PriorThe dog walk is back at Wimpole for a third year. Picture: Courtesy of Ellie-Louise Prior (Image: Archant)

“With Rosie by his side he quickly developed from a shy, hearing impaired teenager to being much more confident out and about, in new situations and meeting new people.

“At home he is developing important independence skills as he heads toward adulthood, with him now able to rely on Rosie to alert him to day-to-day sounds such as his alarm clock, the smoke alarm and his mobile phone.

“Thank you Hearing Dogs – we are so grateful to you for having given us this opportunity and for your ongoing support.”

Rachel Clarke, community fundraising manager for East Anglia said: “We are thrilled to be holding The Great British Dog Walk at Wimpole Hall for the third year.

Royston Crow: The walk is organised by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Picture: Courtesy of Ellie-Louise PriorThe walk is organised by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Picture: Courtesy of Ellie-Louise Prior (Image: Archant)

“This is a fun day that all the family can enjoy, even if you don’t have a dog! Apart from the walk there will be a dog agility course to have a go if you wish and Wimpole Estate has cafés and gift shops too. Do join us if you can.”

On the day there are two options of walks – either 8km or 3km routes making it an ideal event for dog-lovers, families, walkers and organised walking groups.

Tickets to the walk – which takes places from 11am on Sunday, July 1 – are £10 in advance or £12 on the day. Children under 16 go free.

To sign up, or for more information visit www.greatbritishdogwalk.org.