POOCHES across Southampton have put their best paws forward to take part in a special fundraising event which raised £1,600.

Canine Partners for Independence held the 3.5-kilometre sponsored dog walk on Southampton Common on Saturday in a bid to raise £5,000 to train a puppy.

The event, which was part of the organisation's objective to help disabled people enjoy greater independence and quality of life, was fronted by Millennium Dog Endal and his trainer Allen Parton.

Endal, who has been featured in the Daily Echo and on the BBC's South Today, can put a cash card into any machine and get money out for Mr Parton, who sustained a head injury during the Gulf War which caused him to suffer memory loss.

The multi-talented animal can also open a washing machine, pick items off supermarket shelves and hand over fares to bus drivers.