A PET pooch is set to take on a 70 mile trek in aid of Claire House.

Buster, pub dog and mascot at The Black Horse in Lower Heswall, will join locals on May 18 to walk The Cumbrian Way from Ulverston to Carlisle.

And so far, the Springer Spaniel has rallied up the most sponsorship with a running total of £1000 for the Bebington-based hospice.

Chris Mitchell, landlord of The Black Horse, said: “The support we have had for Buster has been amazing. We placed a sponsorship form on our notice board for fun and ever since people have been donating.

“It is really nice to see that people recognise Buster’s efforts and we can raise as much money as possible for Claire House.”

Pat Faragher, director of fundraising at Claire House, said: “The children, families and staff at Claire House consider themselves very lucky to have the support of the Black Horse pub who have fundraised for us over the last 11 years.

“In this tough climate we need as much help as we can get, having Buster on the team is fantastic, we can’t wait for him to come and visit us all at Claire House. A huge thank you to Chris and the Black Horse team from everyone here at Claire House”.

To sponsor Buster on his five-day walk, visit www.justgiving.com/busterthepubdog