WHAT was once a dog walk with six members has now flourished into a global event after 10 years.

In 2006 Janet Peacock from Braintree wrote to The Times, asking if any local Greyhound walkers would like to get together for a social event.

She had six responses for the first walk, and her adopted Greyhound Chelsea loved being around the other dogs.

Since then, the dog-walking group has turned into a global event, which amazed Janet.

She said: "It just grew and grew, it's quite extraordinary. I can see it's not just in our area where it's had an impact, it's happening across the country.

"In 2010 we started the Great British Greyhound Walk and over the last six years it has grown incredibly and is now a global walk.

"People understand the value of getting together, it's been quite an outstanding 10 years."

Rebeka McGrane, from Constance Close in Witham, takes part in the walks regularly.

She said: "It's grown exponentially, they started meeting once a month at Notley Country Park and it just spread from there.

"After putting messages on Facebook it is now a big community, and it's now an organised event with collections for local greyhound shelters.

"Janet took the plunge to become a registered charity and we have a printed calendar and seven walks a month.

"W have about 60 dogs every time, the biggest one is New Years' Day walk at Hylands Park in Chelmsford, where 238 take part.

"My dogs Ruby and Fred get excited the minute they get to the car park, when they see all the other dogs they just start barking and it really builds their confidence."

The next walk is being held on June 19 at Great Notley Country Park.

Visit www.greatglobalgreyhoundwalk.co.uk/gbgw/