A POPULAR dog-walk held to raise cash for Essex Air Ambulance is set to make a return in the spring.

The annual Heli Hounds event will once again see dogs and their owners take on a three-mile walk around the stunning grounds of the Marks Hall Estate.

Walkers will meet at the Essex Air Ambulance’s charity office in Earls Colne Business Park before the event begins.

There will be a host of dog-related attractions and stalls set up outside the office for participants to enjoy.

TV dog behaviourist Dima Yeremenko, who has worked with the likes of Paul O’Grady and Noel Fitzpatrick, will also be attending and sharing some top training tips.

Alongside the walk, there will also be a dog-show which owners can enter their four-legged friends in.

The show features a wide range of classes, including Best Puppy, Best Veteran, Best Rescue Rehome, Bad Hair Day and Young Handler.

Anyone whose dog can perform tricks, is a great mover or is simply adorable is urged to take part.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the air ambulance, which is relies solely on donations and grants.

Spokesman Jen Wall, Volunteer and Events Lead at EHAAT, said: “Our Heli Hounds walk is a really popular, fun event with hundreds of people and their dogs joining us each year.

“Because Essex and Herts Air Ambulance is a charity, the money raised by events such as this plays a really important part in keeping our life-saving service operational.

“It would be great to see as many people as possible come along with their dogs.

“You can help save a life just by taking your dog for a walk and getting sponsored.

“If 300 dog walkers each managed to get £30-£50 in sponsorship money, we could raise over £10,000, enough to fund four life-saving missions.”

This year’s Heli Hounds walk takes place on Sunday, March 10.

Registration is now open and the first 250 people to sign up for the stroll will receive a free doggy bandana.

Entry costs £7.50 on the day, but only £5 when booked in advance.

There are separate entry costs for the dog show.

For more details call 0345 2417 690 or visit ehaat.org.