A PLAYFUL labrador called Nina popped into Lanterns Nursery to meet young families at Home-Start Winchester’s regular Thursday morning session.

Nina was joined by owners Mel and Paul Bliss of Gay Dog Boarding Kennels at Bradley, near Bentworth, who are sponsoring the charity’s annual dog walk in March. It was an opportunity for them to meet volunteers and staff and to learn more about Home-Start’s work in the area, which includes Alresford.

Home-Start Winchester co-ordinator Anne Macpherson was thrilled that the trio had been able to call in and say hello.

“The children were so excited and rather noisy but Nina carried it off with great aplomb,” she said.

“We are so grateful to sponsors who support our fundraising events as we must raise 90 percent of our own funds each year and the dog walk (at Binsted, near Alresford) is certainly one of our favourites.”

“It is our second year sponsoring the dog walk,” said Paul “and it’s always a great opportunity to dust off the cobwebs and enjoy a lovely walk out in the beautiful spring sunshine.”

“Dogs are not compulsory,” he added, “you can even just come for lunch. We are very happy to be supporting Home-Start and the work that the charity does with families who are struggling to cope.”

The Home-Start dog walk takes place on Thursday, March 15, and starts at Bighton village hall at 10.45am whatever the weather.

There will be two walks of different lengths and there will be a few stiles.

A hearty lunch of no less than four home-made soups, a ploughman’s and brownies will be ready to welcome the walkers.

Tickets, priced £10, are available via ticketsource.co.uk/home-start-winchester-district.