MORE than 30 dogs and their owners set out from Devizes Wharf on Sunday on the annual RSPCA sponsored walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath to Seend.

The walkers stopped at the Three Magpies for some refreshment before heading back to Devizes.

Among the dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds, was one dog that was slightly less animated than the rest.

This was Rusty, the outsize charity collecting box that stood for more than 30 years outside Ye Olde Pie Shoppe in the Market Place until it closed down in March.

Since then it has sat alone in the vaults of Lloyds TSB Bank until a new owner could be found for it.

Now the new Barber Shop in the Little Brittox has come to the rescue and offered a home to poor Rusty.

But before the handover takes place, Andy Sheppard of Rangebourne Pet Care in New Park Street and treasurer of the Wiltshire Mid branch of the RSPCA, loaded Rusty on to a sack trolley and wheeled him along the towpath.

The walk raised just over £1,000 for the branch's funds and it will be spent rescuing abandoned and injured animals in the district which takes in the Devizes and Melksham community areas.

Mr Sheppard said: "The day went well. The weather was wonderful and those that turned up had a great time. We would particularly like to thank the Three Magpies for making us so welcome. Sponsors can also be assured the money raised will all be spent locally."