Hundreds of dog-owners and their beloved pets flocked to Weymouth Beach for the inaugural Weymouth Walkies.

Organised by local vet Dave Cumber, the event marked the last Sunday dogs are allowed on the whole beach before the summer season begins.

Dogs are not allowed on the beach between Greenhill groyne and the pier end of Weymouth Beach from Good Friday to October 31.

Dave Cumber said there was a ‘great atmosphere’ as hundreds of people and their four-legged friends congregated at the Pavilion end of the beach ready to walk the length of the ban area.

The event raised money for local charity Margaret Green Animal Rescue.

Mr Cumber, who was at the event with his flat-coated retrievers Margo and Gru, said: “The idea came from the fact that there has been some anti-dog sentiment.

“The majority of dog owners pick up after their dogs and keep their dogs under control and there’s a ignorant few who give us all a bad name.”

Mr Cumber added he wanted to show that there were a lot of responsible dog owners out there.

“If we can all keep our dogs under control and pick up after them then hopefully that feeling will change,” he said.

“I thought we’d do to coincide with the last Sunday. It’s an opportunity to get out there, be healthy and meet other people which is what having a dog is all about but most of all have fun.”

The crowd created a spectacle as they set of down the beach at 10.30am in the sunshine.

Golden retrievers Spring and Breeze joined their owner, Sandy Barker of Weymouth for the walk.

Sandy said: “I wanted to support the fact that dog owners are responsible and we would like to be appreciated for keeping the beach clean and be able to use the beach.”

Angie Dobson came to the event with her 19-month-old Afghan hound, Zephyr. She said it was ‘amazing’ to see so many dogs in one place and so well-behaved.

Participants were handed a goody bag before they set off and walkers were rewarded with tea and cakes when they reached the Greenhill groyne.