TEN employees and eight dogs from raw dog food manufacturer Poppy’s Picnic have been out walking to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Employees of the Melksham company took part in a 10-mile lunchtime walk, which included a picnic break, in support of the BHF’s National Walking Month.

The foundation funds over £100 million of research each year, enabling those with existing heart and circulatory diseases to seek successful treatments to lead longer and happier lives.

Poppy’s Picnic founder Dylan Watkins said: “Many of us have had family and friends affected by heart disease.

“Knowing our donation will contribute to lifesaving research around the disease responsible for a quarter of deaths in the UK really spurred us on.”

“Ten miles is nothing when you think about the journey that so many families go through for a loved one.

“Everyone was keen to get involved, even our 30-weeks pregnant Head of VIP Services joined us part of the way. We think she has a valid excuse for cheating!”

He added: “With the warmer months approaching, we’d encourage everyone to get out there. Even if you are a couch potato, you have to start somewhere.”

“We will be encouraging all of our customers to take part and share their walks on social media.”