More than 100 join 'biggest' Staffy walk

More than 100 people and their dogs came together on Saturday for what organisers believed could have been the region's biggest Staffordshire bull terrier walk.

The Big Staffy Stroll celebrated the end of a 10-week trail that encouraged people to explore the county of Staffordshire.

The event was held at Weston Park, along the county's border with Shropshire, and was led by Sgt Watchman VI and Pte Watchman VII, the mascots of the Staffordshire Regimental Association.

The Staffy Trail featured 11 giant staffy sculptures and was estimated to have brought in tens of thousand of pounds for the county's tourism industry.

"The event is a celebration of the Staffy Trail's achievements and of Staffy, Staffordshire's new visitor mascot, which has inspired thousands of people to explore the county over the past few months," a spokesperson said.

The trail was officially launched on 1 May, which has been marketed as Staffordshire Day for the past 10 years.

"Staffy has become a fantastic ambassador for Staffordshire, helping us showcase everything that makes our county special," said Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for economy and skills.

"The trail may be ending, but Staffy's story is only just beginning, and he will continue championing Staffordshire as the nation's playground for years to come."

At Weston Park, the walk took visitors on a mini trail around the estate.

The event was open to everyone and all breeds of dog, although organisers admitted they were hoping to set a new record for the number of Staffordshire bull terriers taking part.

"The Staffy Trail has captured people's imagination and shown the power of partnership working to showcase Staffordshire," said Andrea Webster, head of marketing at Weston Park.

Volunteers from the Senior Staffy Club Dog Rescue were also in attendance to raise awareness of their work supporting older Staffordshire bull terriers and their plans to open new rescue kennels in Stafford next year.

"Staffordshire bull terriers are incredibly loyal, loving dogs and we're thrilled to be part of an event that celebrates both the breed and the county they are so closely associated with," said Kate Lee, founder of the dog rescue.

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