THREE independent Malvern hoteliers have got together to promote the hills for walking breaks.

The owners of the Foley Arms, Cottage in the Woods and Colwall Park have hired Bath-based marketing consultant Gaynor Thomas in a bid to raise the area's profile.

The promotion is aimed at putting the Malverns in competition with higher profile areas, such as the Brecon Beacons and the Lake District, for the lucrative short-breaks market.

Among the initiatives are short breaks for dog owners, which include bed and basket, along with a bowl of water and dog biscuits for the canine partner.

Owners will also be provided with free poop-scoops and guidelines on how to be a responsible dog owner.

Those without dogs are even being offered the chance to borrow one to walk!

John Pattin, proprietor of the Cottage in the Wood, said: "The hotels welcome well-behaved dogs but we're also keen to remind owners that they must be responsible for their dogs while walking on the hills. To do so this we have chosen to communicate our message to owners in a polite and slightly humorous way."

Ian Rowat, director of Malvern Hills Conservators, said: "We welcome this new initiative by the hoteliers to promote short-break tourism. There have been incidents when dogs have chased sheep indiscriminately and disturbed nesting birds; the only answer to this problem is to encourage the dog owners to act responsibly."

Colwall Park Hotel is a country house-style hotel built in 1903 with two acres of garden. It has won AA awards for its restaurant and courtesy and care.

Cottage in the Wood has been owned and run by the Pattin family for 14 years and is located high up on the eastern slopes of the hills. Described by some as having "the best views in Britain" it is again an AA award winner and has won accolades for its wine list.

The Foley Arms Hotel, once owned by Lady Emily Foley, boasts wide-reaching views and a rosette-awarded restaurant.