DOG owners in Blackburn will be shouting "workies" not "walkies" on June 27.

The Blue Cross animal welfare charity is celebrating its centenary year with a national take your dog to work day.

It may seem like a barking mad idea, but it is hoped career canines and their owners will share a working day together to show having man's best friend by your side can have a positive effect on you and your colleagues' mental health.

Tania Mitchell of The Blue Cross, said: "It has been scientifically proven that taking your pet to work can reduce stress levels.

"We hope employers will allow dogs into the workplace just for the day and judge for themselves the effect it has on staff morale."

Dogs should sit up and beg their owners to apply for a special information pack which includes a booklet entitled "Top Tips For Worry Free Woofers At Work", a doggy bandanna and details of how to enter your mutt for the annual Dogs at Work awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on September 4.

To receive the pack, all participants are being asked to send a minimum donation of £2.75 to National Take Your Dog To Work Day, The Blue Cross, 1-5 Hugh Street, Victoria, London SW1V 1QQ.

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