Dogsey

The Cumbrian town of Keswick has beaten 28,000 towns and business in the UK to be voted the best dog friendly town in the Kennel Club's Open for Dogs Awards. The competition – based solely on the views of the public - has run every year for six years, recognising dog-friendly establishments and places to visit, and aims to encourage more places to be dog-friendly.

Linda Furniss, tourism officer for Keswick Tourism Association, described Keswick as: “just such a perfect base to explore the fells, woodland and lakeside walks, with masses of open space to get out for long walks with your dog.”

B&B owner, Alison True, said: “It's not just the number of dogs you see but the number of 'Dogs Welcome' signs you see in the shops, pubs and cafés.”

Kennel Club Secretary, Caroline Kisko said: “The people of Keswick show that they are willing to go above and beyond for their own four-legged friends, as well as those that are just visiting, which is consistent with the UK's love affair with dogs.”

Awards will be presented to the winners of the Open for Dog Awards at the Kennel Club's Discover Dogs event at Earl's Court, London, Saturday, November 10.