DOGS Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is urging children, parents and carers to learn how to stay safe around pooches during its first Be Dog Smart Week, which runs until Sunday.

This initiative comes after NHS data revealed that over the past five years children under 16 accounted for 8,000 hospital admissions as a result of dog bites.

The charity’s team of education and community officers is delivering 278 workshops in 136 schools across the UK, offering practical tips such as do not approach a dog you do not know and never leave your child alone with a dog.

Visit bedogsmart.org.uk for more information.

Hollie Sevenoaks Dogs Trust Head of education