DOG owners in Southampton flocked to learn about the importance of tick bite prevention by taking advice from an unlikely source – The Only Way is Essex star Lydia Bright.

As part of the No Bite Is Right’ ‘Tick-Nic’ event organised by Bayer Animal Health scores of people went to Southampton Common where Lydia was joined by veterinary surgeon David Grant and finalist from the Great British Bake Off, Brendan Lynch.

Dog owners who attended listened to a talk from Mr Grant and representatives from local veterinary practices, to educate pet owners about the risks ticks and other parasites can pose to their pets as well as management and prevention of them.

The first 50 attendees to the event were each given a free ‘doggy bag’, and posed to have their picture taken next to the world’s largest ‘giant tick’ sculpture.

Lydia Bright said: “As an animal lover and advocate of animal welfare it was a real pleasure to talk to pet owners in Southampton. It’s important for people know that prevention is the best approach when it comes to ticks.”

David Grant said: “It is important dog owners speak to their vet about preventative products which give their pets the best chance of avoiding being bitten by ticks. Pet owners should be reminded that ticks can bite humans too, with the risk of Lyme disease being transmitted – which can result in symptoms including: fever, headache, fatigue, joint pain and skin rash.”