DOG lovers are joining forces to raise funds for a Weymouth rescue centre.

Cindi McNeil, who runs Rushton Dog Rescue in Wyke Regis, is organising a sponsored walk from the Nothe Fort in Weymouth to the Cove House Inn on Portland.

Miss McNeil said she is aiming to raise enough money to enable her rescue centre to become a registered charity. She is urging people to come along on the day with or without a dog.

Miss McNeil said: “Please help us become registered so that I can help more dogs in our local area.

“I started up my rescue about two years ago but I was just finding my feet then.

“This year I’ve decided that I really want to become a registered charity.”

She added: “By coming along and joining in you will be supporting dogs in Weymouth, Portland and the surrounding areas. There are so many dogs that need help.”

To become registered, a charitable organisation needs to have a yearly income that exceeds £5,000 and Rushton Dog Rescue is £2,500 short.

Miss McNeil is hoping to raise the remaining £2,500 from the trek.

The walk will take place on Sunday, September 19, at 10.30am and there will also be a raffle and a buffet at the Cove House Inn from 1pm.

One of the raffle prizes will be a pet portrait.

Miss McNeil’s rescue operation operates with the help of volunteers who act as foster carers for her dogs before a permanent home is found.

One of Rushton Dog Rescue’s foster carers, Helen Ryan, of Westham, said she would encourage people to participate in the walk.

She said: “I think it is really important that Rushton Dog Rescue becomes a registered charity.

“If it became registered it could expand and Cindi would be able to help so many more dogs.

“Sometimes she has to turn them away.”

Sponsor forms are available from Fielding and Cumber veterinary surgeons on Chickerell Road, Fresh Bites on Portland Road and C C Moore and Co Ltd on the Granby Industrial Estate.

The walk will be taking place on Sunday, 19 September at 10.30am.

The meeting point will be on the grass by the Nothe Fort and walkers should turn up by 10am.

For more information, or if you would like to make a donation to Rushton Dog Rescue, contact Miss McNeil on 07870 771694.