TWO specially-trained dogs are to take donations on a Blue Cross-sponsored canal walk being held over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Nine-year-old black Labrador Pernod, and her four-year-old daughter, Doris, a yellow Labrador, will accept the contactless payments using a special vest.

They will both be taking part in the three-mile sponsored stroll along the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath on Monday August 28.

Both dogs are owned by Natalie Thomas, whose sister Rachel Thomas is manager of the Blue Cross shop at 54 Fore Street in Trowbridge.

The Trowbridge shop is the only one in the charity’s 55-strong chain to have dogs that can take contactless card payments.

Rachel said yesterday: “The labradors have been specially trained as assistance dogs and were assessed for their behaviour by our head office in Burford.

“They will both be wearing vests which contain contactless card payment machines. All that people have to do is to tap their card on the vest.”

Walkers are expected to leave Staverton around 11am, arriving at Bradford on Avon an hour or so later.

Anyone who wishes to take part should bring their dog, if they have one, and join in the fun. It is hoped the walk will raise around £1,000 for the animal charity.

Sponsorship forms may be obtained from the Trowbridge shop or at the Blue Cross shop at 120 High Street, Marlborough.

Blue Cross was established in 1897 as a charity to care for horses. It was originally called Our Dumb Friends League.

It rescued horses during the First World War and was renamed in the 1940s as the charity expanded its services.

The charity now finds happy homes for abandoned or unwanted pets and keeps pets healthy by promoting welfare and providing treatment.