HEATON park will soon be humming with the pitter-patter of tiny paws as hundreds of dachshunds are set to descend on the park for a mass dog walk.

The event, on April 8 at 1pm, is being hosted by Julie Barbour from North West Dachshund Owners and both dog owners and dog lovers are invited to join in the fun.

Ms Barbour, who lives in Salford, was inspired to hold the walk by seeing a similar event held in Leeds on December 17.

Sausage Dog Walks, saw 288 pooches in Christmas jumpers take to Roundhay Park, Leeds, but Ms Barbour and the Manchester walk organisers are keen to out-do the Yorkshire gathering.

Ms Barbour said: "Originally the idea was to beat the Leeds group, which they have been very nice about, and some of them are coming to the event now.

"I did a poll on our Facebook group asking where most people wanted to do the walk, and Heaton Park was the most popular, and it has taken off from there."

Furry friends and their owners are being invited to take to the park to raise money for charities Dedicated to Dachshunds with IVDD and dachshund rescue fund the Red Foundation.

An estimated 25 per cent of dachshunds experience IVDD, or Intervertebral Disc Disease, and they are more likely to suffer from the condition than any other breed.

Type 1 IVDD, which the breed primarily suffer from, affects a dog's vertebrae, herniating the disc and compressing the spinal cord, which can lead to pain and even paralysis.

Although it is possible to reduce the risk of contraction, it is impossible to prevent IVDD.

Dedicated to Dachshunds with IVDD was set up by Charlotte Baldwin from Talbot Green, South Wales, and provides support to dogs who undergo treatment for the disease.

Ms Barbour said: "We are hoping for a really nice day, the whole plan was just to have a walk and raise some money, but since then it has got bigger than that.

"The response has been really heartwarming and shows that there are so many nice people out there still.

"I think it is nice that there are some charities that are getting support from people that could be affected by the issues.

"It is a hobby, getting out with people who have the same dogs, and it is a great social thing as well.

"It will be an out of this world and great to see all the dogs in the same place and support the charities. And hopefully people will bring the sunshine with them too."

To get involved attendees have been asked to meet at the Heaton park boating lake car park, in Sheepfoot Lane.

A £1 is being asked for those wishing to be involved in the walk, and a raffle will be held before the walk with each £1 donated buying one raffle ticket.

For more information or to donate join the North West Dachshunds owners group on Facebook, or visit https://m.facebook.com/Dedicatedtodachshunds/?locale2=en_GB or http://theredfoundation.net/