A POOP Scoop Awareness Day is being held at Burnley's Towneley Park today as part of a bid to encourage responsible dog ownership.

Poop Scoop Day is the joint effort of Burnley Borough Council's Environmental Health and Cleansing Team, Operation Red Card staff and the Dogs Trust.

Barbara Goodwill, Burnley Council's Dog Warden said: "Irresponsible dog owners are a dog's worst enemy. We have a lot of good dog owners in the borough but the minority cause a problem for everyone. Clearing up after your dog is a serious issue, but with this event we want to promote how easy it is to do in a fun way."

Available at the event will be dog micro-chipping, which is one of the best ways to ensure that a lost pet will be swiftly returned to its owner.

Chipping will be take place until 4pm at a cost of £5, and this will be a donated to the Dogs Trust.

The Kennel Club Good Dog Citizen scheme will also take place until 4pm; the bronze level test will be available for anyone wishing to enter and will test a number of standards such as grooming, cleanliness and identification.

Dogs will be tested in small groups throughout the day at a charge of a £1 administration fee.