GRAB your trainers and your dog lead for a sponsored walk guaranteed to get tails wagging.

The RSPCA Warrington, Halton and St Helens Big Walkies event will be raising money to rehome and rehabilitate animals in the area who have had a horrific start to life.

And leading the way will be one of the many pets who has benefitted from the care of staff at the Slutchers Lane centre.

Severely neglected Ben had been left to starve and was suffering from a flea infestation that had caused sores across his back when RSPCA inspectors found him.

After staff spent months nursing him back to health, the happy pooch now lives with loving new owners Kelvin Windsor and Amanda Hardey.

Kelvin added: "Ben is a lovely dog and a valued member of the family.

"He's settled in really well, is an absolute pleasure to be around and if you could pick your perfect dog, it would be Ben.

"We can't believe he was so badly treated by his former owners and we would urge anyone to adopt an RSPCA case animal.

"The staff are great with them, and over time, they teach the animals how to trust humans again."

Big Walkies starts at the Maltings Pub on Bewsey Farm Close and ends at Bewsey Barn Community Centre on Old Hall Road on September 18.

Registration starts at 12pm with the walk starting at 1pm.

It is £10 to enter (£5 for an additional dog) and participants are asked to raise as much sponsorship money as they can.

There is a choice of a 3k or 5k route and you do not need to have a dog to attend.

Humans receive a T-shirt on the day and dogs get a bandana.

There will also be stalls and games for people to enjoy before and after the walk.

Ben will be representing all the dogs at the centre and can be sponsored via campaign.justgiving.com/charity/rspcawarrington/herodogs.

To sign up, visit rspca.org.uk/bigwalkies/warrington.