Dog lovers have been invited to put on their walking shoes for a cancer charity’s first “Woof” fundraising day.

The brainchild of organisers from the north London branch of charity Cancer Research UK “Woof Cancer Day” is a sponsored walk where dogs and their owners will be able to amble through Waterlow Park for a good cause.

Fundraising manager Lizzie Maher said: “We hope there’ll be a god turnout with lots of happy dogs and lots of happy walkers on the day.”

According to Mrs Maher this is the first event of its kind. She explained because the area is a prime spot to enjoy a walk raising cash with a canine theme was a perfect idea.

“There are so many people walking around with dogs in the area. We were just really keen to get them involved in raising money for charity,” Mrs Maher explained.

But the charity’s idea would not have got off the ground without a group of dog walkers taking a lead in organising it after spotting the charity’s ad calling for help.

West Hampstead dog lover Clare Delaney jumped at the chance to lead a committee charged with coordinating the walk on Sunday, March 4.

Fundraisers will get more than just a walk in the park with plans afoot for experts to be on hand to explain the history of the Highgate park and share details of how Cancer Research UK will use people’s sponsorship money.

“We didn’t want to do something where people had one hour to run 5km. We wanted to something more leisurely with local history mixed in.”

Mrs Maher advised registering early with walker numbers limited to 50 and spaces offered on a first come first served basis.

In order to avoid pooch pandemonium breaking out in a usually peaceful park owners will be asked to keep their four legged friends on leads. Cancer Research UK ask each walker aims to raise £100 for each dog, registered at a cost of £10 each. The number of walkers joining each hound has no limit with family and friends warmly invited to join in.

Besides the walk there will be a top dog competition, stalls, refreshments and a raffle with reception at Lauderdale House at 11am. The event ends at 1pm.

To register for “Woof Cancer Day” go to cancerresearchuk.org.