Organiser of the RSPCA fundraiser, Fi Rooke, said the numbers were a 15 per cent increase on last year’s event.

Aside from the charitable cause, Ms Rooke said the day was an opportunity for animal-lovers of all stripes to meet each other and socialise their pets.

“There’s so many fabulous dogs and there was even someone who came down and registered a lamb,” she said.

“It just brings people from all walks of life, different demographics, and the one thing they’ve got in common is they’ve all got a dog.”

Rebecca Prithie and her cousin Keely, 12, were two locals enjoying the sunny weather and getting Rebecca’s dog Grace some exercise.

Rebecca said she was happy to support the RSPCA as it was a cause close to her heart.

“I have plenty of animals at home, it’s like a small farm,” she said.

Unfortunately Keely said she couldn’t bring her dog, Kendra, because “she’s too silly with other dogs”, but still enjoyed the day out with Rebecca and Grace.

The next Million Paws Walk is on May 21 next year, and Ms Rooke promised more gorgeous spring weather.

“We’ve booked in a nice sunny day too,” she said.