Pupils in Barking and Dagenham can now learn about responsible dog ownership thanks to a national charity.

The Dog’s Trust has appointed five new Education and Community Officers across the country - including Ruth Thomas, who has responsibility for six boroughs in east London.

Ruth and her two dogs, Fudge and Jasmine, will visit schools to promote safety around dogs and ensure children understand the responsibility of owning one.

She said: “I feel very lucky that this role enables me to combine what I absolutely love doing - working with young people - whilst promoting my love of dogs, an important cause that I care passionately about.

“It is so important that we support the next generation of dog owners to help them understand the responsibility of owning and caring for a dog and I am proud to be a part of this.”

The Dog’s Trust has visited more than 100,000 children so far and the appointment of Ruth and her new colleagues will help thousands more learn about dogs.

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