The ‘Big Staffy Stroll’ to take place this month to celebrate Staffordshire's much-loved mascot - where and when

Dog lovers are being invited to come together for what is expected to be the region's biggest-ever Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog walk.

The event will mark the end of the 10-week Staffy Trail, delivered by the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and Staffordshire County Council in collaboration with Making Trails.

The ‘Big Staffy Stroll’ will take place at Weston Park on Saturday 18 July, bringing everyone together for a celebration of Staffordshire's much-loved mascot.

Beginning at 10am, the day will kick off with a guided group walk through the stunning Weston Park estate, taking visitors beyond the well-trodden paths to discover some of the hidden gems within its picturesque Capability Brown parkland.

Proudly leading the Big Staffy Stroll will be two of Staffordshire's most iconic Staffordshire Bull Terriers – Sergeant Watchman VI and Sergeant Watchman VII – accompanied by their handler, Warrant Officer Greg Hedges.

Participants will also have one final chance to unlock exclusive rewards and discounts through a special mini Staffy Trail experience.

Visitors can then enjoy refreshments, find out about Staffordshire’s best days out and chat with volunteers from the Senior Staffy Club Dog rescue charity. The charity, which has been supporting older Staffordshire Bull Terriers for 14 years, is preparing to open new rescue kennels in Stafford next year.

Volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to talk about their work and how people can get involved in helping renovate the site and support Staffies looking for loving homes in their golden years.

Each week of the Staffy Trail has had a different theme, encouraging visitors in and around Staffordshire to explore the county in different ways and support its businesses and attractions.

The final themed week, 'Explore Together', will culminate in the Big Staffy Stroll, which is a celebration of everything the trail has achieved over the past ten weeks. It will also mark the success of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent's new visitor mascot ‘Staffy’, who has quickly become a symbol of Staffordshire pride and the county’s storyteller.

While organisers are hoping to see a record number of Staffordshire Bull Terriers take part, the event is open to everyone and their dogs.

Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said:"The Staffy Trail has brought together communities, businesses and visitors from across the country, so it's only fitting that we finish with one big celebration. We'd love to see as many people as possible join us at Weston Park – and please bring your Staffy if you have one!

"Staffy has become a fantastic ambassador for Staffordshire, helping us showcase everything that makes our county special. The trail may be ending, but Staffy's story is only just beginning, and he will continue championing Staffordshire as the nation's playground for years to come."

Andrea Webster, Head of Marketing at Weston Park and LVEP Board Member, added:"The Staffy Trail has captured people's imagination and shown the power of partnership working to showcase Staffordshire. We're excited to welcome visitors to Weston Park for what promises to be a brilliant finale and a wonderful celebration of our county."

Visitors to Weston Park can take part in the Big Staffy Stroll with a discounted admission ticket of just £6.50 per person. The ticket includes access to the event, Weston Park's Woodland Adventure Playground and 1,000 acres of beautiful Capability Brown parkland. Children under four go free.

Tickets can be purchased from the Weston Park website.