DOG owners in Chester took the opportunity to have their pets microchipped for free during a community event organised by Dogs Trust and Sanctuary Housing.

The event took place at Woodfield Park, Kingsway, as part of a campaign to promote responsible dog ownership.

More than 40 dogs received a free health check from the Dogs Trust vet, while seven were microchipped – a legal requirement since 2016.

Owners were also offered health and training advice and provided with responsible dog ownership packs, full of useful tips and resources.

Kingsway and Newton Residents Association also supported the event, with members providing a warm welcome to visitors and serving up a range of delicious refreshments from their pop-up café.

Sanctuary is supporting a series of Dogs Trust drop-in events around Chester as part of a wider drive to encourage responsible dog ownerships in its neighbourhoods.

Ann Dooney, Sanctuary's resident involvement officer, said: "We're delighted to be working with Dogs Trust to encourage responsible dog ownership and ensure our communities remain clean and pleasant places to live.

"This was another great event and the feedback from local residents has been very positive."

Sanctuary resident Martin Ellington, who attended the event with his dog Mr Pickles, commented: "It was an enjoyable day with lots of useful advice on offer and it's good to have an event like this taking place in the local community.

Michelle Moat, campaigns officer for Dogs Trust in the North of England, added: "Our community events play a vital role in spreading the message about responsible dog ownership and the importance and benefits of having pets microchipped."

This initiative is part-funded by Sanctuary's Community Investment Fund, supporting projects which benefit Sanctuary residents and their communities.

For details of other Dogs Trust events, visit www.dogstrust.org/communityevents.