A Woodside Staffordshire Bull Terrier was invited to play a part in a gruelling charity walk that aims to raise £70,000.

Digger, who belongs to Coupar Angus Primary School teacher Melanie Sinclair, took part in the first Pedigree Paws Unite event.

It saw all 216 Kennel Club-recognised dog breeds completing a minimum five-mile section of a 160-mile walk, taking place over seven days across the UK.

The Scottish leg, which was raising money for the Scottish Division of the Rescue Dog Association, the Make A Wish Foundation, Belfast Children’s Hospital, Dog AID, The Cinnamon Trust, PACT Sheffield and Ty Hafan, took place in September along the Union Canal near Edinburgh, finishing at the Falkirk Wheel.

Melanie said: “It was a great honour to have been selected as one of two Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed representatives in this very special event.

“This is a super opportunity to raise money for the seven very worthy charities while at the same time raising awareness of well-bred pedigree dogs.

“Staffords are a loyal and lovable breed that are great with children. Digger had a great time on the walk playing with the other dogs and enjoying the lovely weather.

“He even brought some treats for his friends – dog biscuits baked by some of the children at Coupar Angus Primary School!

“By raising awareness of pedigree dogs it is hoped that we can help educate puppy buyers into researching their desired breed and buying from reputable breeders who health test and breed from dogs with sound temperaments.”

The walk got underway near Cambridge and headed north to reach Edinburgh on day six before heading back down south to again to finish at Darlington Dog Show.

Event organiser and winner of Crufts Best in Show trophy in 2013, Gavin Robertson, said: “We are brought together by our love of dogs; they ask for little and give us so much.

“This event is about uniting the pedigree dog world, to raise as much money as possible for the nominated charities.

“It is set to be the first time that every dog breed in the UK is taking part in the same event. Each and every breed is unique and there is a dog breed to suit everyone.”

Anyone who would like to donate can text PEEK15 £5 to 70070 or visit Melanie’s fundraising page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MelanieSinclair

If anyone in the east Perthshire area is interested in Staffordshire Bull Terriers they can get advice from the North of Scotland SBT Club by calling secretary Julie Gray on 01569 760418 in the first instance.