Oak Tree Animals’ Charity is marking its 110th birthday with a week of celebrations.

The Wetheral-based animal charity will be hosting ceilidhs, animal training classes, horse shows, and summer fairs to celebrate the milestone birthday.

On June 9, the actual birthday of the charity, Eden Churches will join Oak Tree for a picnic at the Holy Trinity Churchyard at 1.30pm, pet blessings, and birthday cake cutting.

Former dog-residents and their new families will reunite on Wednesday, allowing owners to share stories and play games.

Tomorrow is a singalong, and on Sunday certified dog-trainers will be on-hand to train mischievous dogs to walk off the lead, focus on their owners, and come back when called. Limited places are available for this celebration.

Oak Tree Animals’ Charity was opened on June 9, 1909 by Francis Cox, with support from important figures such as Winston Churchill and Lord Henry Cavendish-Bendick. It started as The National Equine Defence League to improve the lives of pit ponies working in the mines.

Sticking to its roots, on June 7, Oak Tree’s equine team will be showing off the horse’s training between 11am and 2pm.

Over the years it has evolved from horses’ rights into a charity supporting most domestic animals. It has rehomed hundreds of thousands of animals, big and small, across the country.

Mieke Tenant, Oak Tree Animals’ charity events coordinator, commented: “Every single penny raised will help local animals in need, so we do hope the local community will join us in celebrating our big birthday.” Visit www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk