A CELEBRITY vet is to visit Worcester to raise awareness of a barking-mad challenge he will be undertaking.

Joe Inglis, from BBC's Vets in Practice, has sponsored an event for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People where he will row the Thames in an enlarged dog bowl.

The bowl has been made from an old cattle drinking trough and has been named the Mutty Bark, in honour of historic ship Cutty Sark, which was burnt last month.

Mr Inglis and his dog Jack, a collie cross, will be setting off on Monday, July 2, and hope to complete their challenge in Putney, London nine days later.

Prior to the event he will be touring the country to publicise the challenge and will be at Sainsbury's, Windermere Drive, Warndon, on Saturday throughout the morning.

Mr Inglis said: "I grew up by the river so I've always enjoyed messing about in boats. Jack loves swimming too - which could come in handy if we sink. The charity helps so many people and I hope that my Thames challenge will raise awareness of them and hopefully provide some funds."

To find out more about the pre-event visits and the challenge please visit www.petskitchen. co.uk or www.hearingdogs. org.uk or call 01844 348100 for details on Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.