Pet lovers and their dogs have raised over £155,000 by taking part in Battersea's annual Muddy Dog Challenge.

On Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17, over 1,400 people took part in the challenge which took place in Windsor Great Park.

It is one of the UK’s biggest obstacle courses where members of the public can take part with their dog.    

The event offered a "fun-packed" weekend full of "mud, sweat and cheers".

So far the 2023 event has raised £157,858 for the charity, which was timed to coincide with Batterrsea's month of championing rescue animals who need a second chance in life.

Throughout September, Battersea is asking the public to 'Wear Blue for Rescue'.

Braving the mud on the day was a team from the London Fire Brigade, who ran the course with Wellbeing Dogs from the fire service Peggy, Buddy, Freddie, Hugo, Bear, Freddy, Ted, Hallie and Ruben.

Team member Shelley, who took part with her Wellbeing Dog Peggy, said: “Peggy and I took part in the Muddy Dog Challenge on our own last year and absolutely loved it.

"We really wanted to take part in the event again and thought it was a great opportunity to bring the London Fire Brigade Wellbeing Dog Team together for a fun team-building day."

Also taking on the mud on the day was Ana Newman with her three-year-old Labrador Retriever, Shadow.

Ana said: “Shadow had a great time taking part in the Muddy Dog Challenge; he is such a character and absolutely loves jumping on things and was in his element.

"After my dad passed away in 2021, Shadow got me out into nature, and I chose to do a new ‘dog-venture’ with him every weekend in memory of my dad."

Battersea’s Senior Challenge Events Officer, Jasmine Monk, said: “Our Windsor Muddy Dog Challenge events are particularly special to us as one of our three centres is located nearby in the Royal Borough, so it was great to see so many animal lovers coming together to support Battersea and celebrate Battersea’s Wear Blue for Rescue, which is taking place throughout September.

"I want to thank all those who participated, volunteered, and cheered on their loved ones. Everyone has helped make this a really special day and without everyone’s support, we simply wouldn’t be able to do it.”