More than 500 people are set to take part in a popular dog-walking event near Bury St Edmunds to raise money for charity.

East Anglian Daily Times: Last year's Great British Dog Walk in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at Ickworth Park. PICTURE ANDY ABBOTTLast year's Great British Dog Walk in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at Ickworth Park. PICTURE ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The Great British Dog Walk is returning to Ickworth Park on Saturday, May 5, to fundraise for national charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

The event includes two distance options – an 8km and 3km route – as well as stalls, dog agility and a dog show, which is new this year.

The Great British Dog Walk at Ickworth is one of 20 fun-filled walks taking place around the country helping to ensure more hearing dogs can be trained to bring life-changing benefits to deaf people.

Margo Harrison, who is a senior staff nurse at West Suffolk Hospital, now has an assistance dog after her hearing started to deteriorate around 17 years ago.

East Anglian Daily Times: Last year's Great British Dog Walk in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in Ickworth Park. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTLast year's Great British Dog Walk in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in Ickworth Park. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

She said: “I tried to carry on as normal, but when a patient told me the fire alarm was going off, that’s when I decided to apply for a hearing dog and was eventually partnered with Pebbles.

“She has made such a big difference to my life, helping me at home and work. My family and colleagues adore her and she acts as a constant reminder to patients to look at me when they’re talking so I can read their lips.”

Rachel Clarke, community fundraising manager for East Anglia, said: “We’re thrilled to be back at the National Trust’s glorious Ickworth Park for a fourth year with our Great British Dog Walk on May 5.

“We’re hoping even more walkers and dogs will join us this year for a great family day out.

East Anglian Daily Times: Last year's Great British Dog Walk in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at Ickworth Park. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTLast year's Great British Dog Walk in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at Ickworth Park. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

“With 3km or 8km routes to choose from, plus refreshments, including a BBQ, stalls, dog agility and a fun dog show for the first time this year - do join us if you can.”

There is also a free limited-edition Great British Dog Walk doggie bandana for each adult ticket purchased and a chance to meet some of the amazing working hearing dogs.

The iconic Dulux dog will also be making a special guest appearance to officially start the event.

The old English sheepdog, synonymous with the brand, opened the new Dulux Decorator Centre in Bury St Edmunds this week and the store has chosen Hearing Dogs for Deaf People as its local good cause.

Brett Carpenter, store manager at Dulux Decorator Centre Bury St Edmunds, said: “We have received a fantastic welcome into the local area and what better way to meet even more of the community than by taking part in the Great British Dog Walk and supporting such a fantastic cause.

“The Dulux dog is such an important brand ambassador so we are thrilled for him to be officially starting this year’s event.”

To sign-up to the Ickworth Park Great British Dog Walk, or for more information visit www.greatbritishdogwalk.org Tickets to each event are £10 in advance or £12 on the day. Children under 16 are free.