Pooches and their powerful companions were out in force on Sunday for Garden House Hospice’s very first Muddy Mutts and Superheroes walk.

The Comet: Garden House Hospice supporters and volunteers taking part in the Muddy Mutts and Superheroes walk on Sunday, February 28.Garden House Hospice supporters and volunteers taking part in the Muddy Mutts and Superheroes walk on Sunday, February 28. (Image: Archant)

More than 50 dogs and their owners braved the chill at Norton Common for a walk accompanied by The Hulk, Spiderman, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and a Minion – courtesy of Abacus Events Stevenage.

North Herts Bowls Club supported the event by allowing the hospice to use the club’s facilities to serve teas and coffee after the walk.

North Herts District Council’s environmental crime officer Jane Bethell-Lombari was on hand to answer any queries and PC David Pert and Britain’s – now retired – longest serving police dog, Brewster, also made an appearance.

Money raised from the event – which is still being totted up by the team – goes towards the running costs of the hospice, which cares for people in North Herts and Stevenage with terminal illnesses.

The Comet: Garden House Hospice supporters and volunteers taking part in the Muddy Mutts and Superheroes walk on Sunday, February 28.Garden House Hospice supporters and volunteers taking part in the Muddy Mutts and Superheroes walk on Sunday, February 28. (Image: Archant)

Hospice community fundraiser Cathy White said: “What a fantastic turn out and a great atmosphere.

“This is the first time the hospice has held an event like this at Norton Common.

“Thank you to everyone that took part and who gave up their time to support this event, including Pride and Groom mobile dog groomers who donated raffle prizes and Total Pet Services Letchworth which handed out dog bones.

“The best dressed adult went to Cruella de Vil who was walking with her daughter and her six-year-old Dalmatian.”