A Bovey Tracey dog walker helped raise nearly £450 for Nowzad Dogs after holding her 50th birthday bash for the cause on Saturday.

Wendy Bathard asked guests to donate to the charity – which helps soldiers and marines in Afghanistan rescue cruelly treated, abandoned or stray dogs – rather than buy her presents.

She also asked friends and family to wear a red dress to her party at The Dolphin Hotel, Bovey Tracey.

'I raised £442 and I am so thrilled,' she said.

'Everyone had a great time and I am glad we could support this worthy cause.

'Around 80 guests came in red dresses and I was so pleased they made the effort.'

Wendy, a member of the Teign Valley and Isca Hash House Harriers Running Club, also organised a short fun run before the gathering for her fellow sporting friends.