A SPONSORED dog walk is being organised to raise vital funds for a charity which supports homeless people in Birmingham.

For more than 30 years Birmingham Christmas Shelter has provided much needed comfort and aid for homeless people during the Christmas period.

Last year as many as 150 people visited the shelter every day when it was open between December 23, and December 28.

On Christmas Day the charity fed 145 people and offered overnight accommodation to more than 100 homeless people.

Guests were also offered haircuts, chiropody, dental treatment and clothing.

In addition to the dog walk a street collection will be staged in Birmingham city centre in September to help generate enough cash for the charity to provide a similar service for people homeless this Christmas.

Lynne Murray, supervisor and fund raiser for BCS, said: “It’s vital we get as many people as possible to take part in the walk.

“It’s important we provide an alternative Christmas for the homeless and lonely and also enable them to enjoy a safer, welcoming family atmosphere.

“Christmas is probably the only time of the year the homeless can relax and enjoy things we take for granted.”

Starting from the car park to Midlands Co-op Travel in Hazelwell Street, Bournville, the walk will then take in the Rea Valley Route on the way to Canon Hill Park before returning to the start.

The stroll, which gets underway at 9am on Sunday, July 26, is likely to take about two hours and is not just open to dog owners but all members of the public.