A huge celebration to mark the first day that dogs are allowed back on Marazion Beach after the summer takes place on Saturday, October 1.

Dog owners and their pets are invited to take part in a mass ‘walkies’ session from Marazion to Penzance prom which will raise funds for Cornwall Hospice Care.

The Great Western Dog Walk, which gets underway at 11am, is being spearheaded by local MP Derek Thomas, who said: “Cornwall Hospice Care and St Julia's in particular hold a special place in the hearts of so many families here in West Cornwall.

“This charity dog walk is an opportunity to raise funds for the hospices, show our appreciation to the staff and volunteers and take a walk on the beach with others who have experience of the incredible work Cornwall Hospice Care does.”

Among those taking part will be Trevor Burton and his dog Poppy, from Cury. Trevor’s late wife spent her last days at St Julia’s earlier this year and he said he was keen to support Cornwall Hospice Care.

He said: "I met Derek on a visit to St Julia’s when my wife was there. We talked about funding for hospices and I said I was very happy to help if I could. I never realised that the facilities at St Julia’s would be so good and I’m keen to help out by taking part in the walk - it will be great to have a day out with Poppy as well.”

At the walk’s end, on Penzance prom, there’ll be a party on the prom, organised by the Penzance BID and starting at 12.30pm. This will include a farmers' market, a story-teller telling "doggy tales" and the chance for younger dog-walkers to decorate their own doggy cookies.

The farmers' market is also offering a hamper for the cutest dog photo taken on the day while there are some fabulous prizes for the top fundraisers, including a return ticket for two to London on First Great Western trains with free meal for two on the GWR Pullman service and a tour of the Houses of Parliament. Other prizes include a hamper and a family (two adults and two children) wildlife experience at Feadon Farm Wildlife Centre, Gwel an Mor, Portreath, plus a doggy goody bag for every dog taking part.

Sarah Newton, community fundraiser for Cornwall Hospice Care in West Cornwall said entry to the Great Western Dog Walk is just £3 per person or £6 for a family and urged people to register as soon as possible.

“For more information, to register or to volunteer on the day, visit cornwallhospicecare.co.uk – and we also hope dog owners will persuade their friends to sponsor them and their dogs as all the money we raise will go towards adult hospice care in the county,” she said.

Penzance BID manager Jess Golding added: “We are really excited to have the Cornwall Hospice, Great Western Dog Walk finishing here in Penzance on our wonderful promenade. We are hoping there will be loads of wonderful things to do on the day, and it will give people the chance to explore the town afterwards.”

There’s free car parking available at Marazion and return travel will be available for those whose feet and paws that are too tired to walk back. Anyone interested in volunteering on the day should contact Simon Jones on 01736 363038.