AROUND 200 excited pooches descended upon the grounds of a historic estate for a fundraising walkies.

Dogs and their owners yesterday walked in support of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust during the charity’s Heli Hounds fundraiser.

Walkers set out from the air ambulance base in Earls Colne before traversing the grounds of the scenic Marks Hall Estate in Coggeshall.

Entrants were asked to collect sponsorship with all of the money going towards the air ambulance service, which needs around £500,000 a month to run.

A competition was also held to find the face of the Heli Hounds walk for next year, with George Bovington, 12, and his spaniel Daisy winning the honour.

Lorna Mackinnon, PR and marketing manager for Essex Air Ambulance, said: “It was a bit muddy but we still had a lot of fun.

“We have raised over £4,000 so far and all of the sponsorship money has not been collected.

“The people who braved the weather had a really great time and the dogs were really happy.

“It is an amazing opportunity for us to get to see all of our supporters in one place and it is great for bringing together people.

“I know there were a lot of people who made new friends today.”

For more information visit www.essexairambulance.uk.com.