A NORTH Cumbrian charity has received a special celebrity endorsement from their new four-legged friends.

Celebrity springer spaniels Max, Paddy and Harry, fresh from hob-nobbing with the Queen at her Buckingham Palace garden party, will be joining north Cumbrian charity Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland for their annual walking challenge.

The ‘Step Up to the Plate’ challenge involves a trek around Ullswater, along either 10 mile or 20 mile routes - all to raise money for the end-of-life care charity.

Taking place on June 22, the Lake District event will also feature a selection of local treats available along the route, donated by local firms such as Traybakes, Kendal Mint Cake and Calzone made by Peter Sidwell from Keswick Cookery School.

The three dogs first found fame on social media, with owner Kerry Irving sharing the story of how he was lifted from severe depression through their love and companionship, after a car accident in 2006 left Kerry with chronic pain.

First owning just Max, Kerry credits him with helping to focus on other things in life beyond his serious spinal injuries.

Then joined by fellow spaniel Paddy, and most recently Harry, the adventures of Kerry, his wife Angela and the dogs are enjoyed by more than 80,000 followers on social media.

The gang are also tireless charity campaigners. Collectively, the four firm friends have raised more than £76,000 for local charities.

Cara Varty, Hospice at Home fundraiser said “we feel very privileged to be supported by many local heroes both two legged and four legged.

“It is great that Max, Paddy and Harry are joining us and we welcome everyone else to bring their precious pooches too.”

The charity provides end-of-life and palliative care across north Cumbria in a home setting, as opposed to in a hospice. The entry fee is £30 per adult, though 14 to 17-year-olds can walk for free with an accompanying adult.