A WELCOME is being extended to dog lovers and their four-legged friends at an historic attraction.

Combermere Abbey will allow dogs to accompany their owners free of charge over the August bank holiday weekend - during which National Dog Day is being held on August 26.

National Dog Day aims to raise awareness for the number of dogs in need of adoption and to the work done by service animals, as well as the joy and purpose the animals bring into human lives.

Sarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey, comments: “We adore seeing our guests’ dogs on holiday with them at the Combermere cottages, and have designed our accommodation and land to be as hospitable as possible to all creatures. As an owner myself with two black Labradors, I know that a weekend break in the countryside with miles of woodlands, park lands and lakes to explore before retiring to a luxury cottage can be just as restorative for dogs as it is for people!

"National Dog Day is the perfect holiday to encourage owners to enjoy a long weekend away over the bank holiday, without having to worry about organising dog-sitters or kennels.”