CANINES are being called on to help their barking mad owners take part in a walk through some of Bucks' beauty spots to help raise money for a charity dedicated to the care of people with serious and life-limiting illnesses.

Last year around 100 four-legged friends joined their owners to tackle the Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge to help raise funds for Rennie Grove Hospice Care. Back for its sixth year, the organisers hope the 2014 event will have even more entrants.

Fundraising Events Manager for Rennie Grove, Ruth Proudfoot, said: "It’s great to see dogs of all shapes and sizes taking part with their owners. It adds to the atmosphere on the day and it means that whole families can come out and enjoy the beautiful Chilterns countryside without worrying about the dog - because he can be there with them enjoying it in his own way."

The Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge offers three routes: five miles, taking in the first two peaks of Whiteleaf Cross and Coombe Hill; nine miles, tackling all three peaks, including Ivinghoe Beacon, but with a bus journey from Wendover to Tring to begin the final ascent; and 18 miles, covering the whole distance between and up all three peaks.

Ruth said: "The route options mean there’s something for every walker - whether two or four-legged. Dogs are also welcome on the Arriva buses which have been kindly donated for the day, along with volunteer drivers, to transport walkers from their chosen routes finish back to their cars in Princes Risborough. In fact, rather than asking your friends and family to sponsor you to complete the walk, you could even ask them to sponsor the dog instead and set up a special Just Giving page."

So if you and your canine companion are up for a physical and a fundraising challenge, join this year’s Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge and register online now at www.renniegrove.org/chilterns3peaks or call 01442 820740.