TV WILDLIFE expert Chris Packham joined a charity walk that is thought to have raised more than £1,000.

At least 100 people took part in the event, which was held at Foxbury Common near Bramshaw in the New Forest to net vital funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

The charity trains dogs to alert deaf people to important sounds such as the doorbell, telephone or smoke alarm.

Chris, who lives in the Forest, was accompanied by his own two dogs, Itchy and Scratchy.

He said: “As a poodle owner I wasn’t surprised to find out that Hearing Dogs use that breed for some of their dogs as they are very intelligent.

“I’ve really been looking forward to meeting local people and their dogs and helping to raise funds for this life-changing charity.”

The event was part of The Great British Dog Walk, a series of 20 organised walks being held across the UK this year.

Organiser Nicholas Orpin added: “The Great British Dog Walk is a hugely important event in helping Hearing Dogs raise funds so that we can train more dogs to help deaf people.

“The New Forest provides the perfect backdrop for our walk, which took in the spectacular countryside and was a wonderful excuse to get outside.”