October 7 will mark the first day that dogs are allowed back on Marazion beach after the summer season ban and to celebrate Cornwall Hospice Care is hosting a special event.

The Great Western Dog Walk, now in its second year, will start with a fun dog show at 10am and then a walk to Penzance at 11.45am.

The walk was first suggested by local MP, Derek Thomas, who is once again supporting the event along with sponsors St Aubyn Estates, the Godolphin Arms, Penzance Pet Alliance, Great Western Railway and Headland Printers.

Sarah Newton, the community fundraiser for Cornwall Hospice Care, said: "We had such great feedback from last year’s event that we knew we had to do it again. This year we’ve added a fun dog show that will take place on Marazion beach from 10am. The idea is that people register for the walk at the Godolphin Arms first and then head for the fun dog show, which is being organised by The Pet Spa. Entry will be by donation with some great prizes on offer for the winning categories.

“Registration for the walk will open at 9am and close at 11.30am with the walkers and their assembled four legged friends setting off at 11.45am. Entry has stayed at £3 per person, or £6 per family (two adults and two children). The route takes in Marazion Beach and follows the coast round to the war memorial on Battery Road by the Jubilee Pool and Penzance Prom. Walkers will be asked to de-register at the Cornwall Hospice Care stand where they will also receive a free doggy goody bag. Refreshments will also be available.”

Sarah added: "It costs more than £5 million a year to provide the many support services we offer to people in Cornwall who are terminally ill and to their families. It means fundraising it vital to us and what better way to help us make a difference than to take a refreshing walk with your pets along some of West Cornwall’s stunning coastal landscapes? Collectively all this can’t help but give you the feel good factor.”

A registration form and the terms and conditions of entry are available at cornwallhospicecare.co.uk/support-us/events/. You can also pick up a form at the veterinary surgeries in Hayle (Animal Vets and Hayle Vets), and also in Penzance from Regents Court Vets, the Pets Spa, Pets Boutique and Malins Pet Foods.

Car parking at Marazion will be in the Folly Field car park and return travel will be available from Penzance bus station for those feet and paws that are too tired to walk back, provided by the First Group.