More than 100 people and their dogs came together at Weston Park to celebrate the success of the Staffy Trail, as its ten-week run came to an end with the Big Staffy Stroll.
The event, organised by Staffordshire County Council and the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), saw visitors enjoy a guided 2.5km walk through Weston Park's picturesque parkland on Saturday 18 July.
The walk was led by the county's most famous Staffordshire Bull Terriers from the Staffordshire Regimental Association, Sergeant Watchman VI and Sergeant Watchman VII, alongside their handler, Warrant Officer Greg Hedges.
Although the event was open to all dogs, organisers believe the event was the region's biggest-ever Staffordshire Bull Terrier walk.
The Big Staffy Stroll marked the finale of the Staffy Trail, which was launched to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Staffordshire Day. Over the last ten weeks, the trail has encouraged thousands of people to explore Staffordshire's towns, attractions and businesses, with one in five visitors travelling from outside the county.
Early estimates suggest the trail has generated at least £180,000 for Staffordshire's visitor economy, helping support local businesses while showcasing the county to new audiences.
Martin Murray, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:
"It was fantastic to see so many people and their dogs come together to celebrate the success of the Staffy Trail.
"The trail has inspired thousands of people to discover more of Staffordshire, support local businesses and experience everything that makes our county the nation's playground.
"While the trail has now come to an end, Staffy's story is only just beginning. He has become a fantastic ambassador for Staffordshire and will continue encouraging people to visit our county for years to come."
The event also produced a heartwarming surprise when 10-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier 'Maude' was unexpectedly reunited with her sister Blossom.
Their owners, who had never met before, got chatting during the walk and soon realised the dogs were from the same litter in Nottingham.
Michelle Davis, Maude's owner, said:
"We couldn't believe it. They are sisters, from the same litter, same parents, all the way from Nottingham, and we don't live anywhere near!"
Visitors also met volunteers from the Senior Staffy Club dog rescue, which has spent the last 14 years finding homes for older Staffordshire Bull Terriers. The charity raised more than £200 during the event to support its work.
Andrea Webster, Head of Marketing at Weston Park and LVEP Board Member, said:
"It has been wonderful to see so many people, families and dogs enjoying Weston Park today. There was such a lovely atmosphere, and it felt like the perfect way to celebrate everything the Staffy Trail has achieved over the last ten weeks.
"We've seen people discovering new places, spending time together and making happy memories along the way. It's been fantastic to be part of something that has brought so much positivity to Staffordshire."
With the summer holidays now under way, the fun doesn't stop there. Staffy has also put together a summer bucket list packed with great days out and family activities across Staffordshire.
To find out more, visit the 'School's out for Staffy' page on Visit Staffordshire's website.
