Dog owners are being given the chance to take a dip with their four-legged friends in Hitchin this week after a popular event was relocated from Letchworth.

Doggy Splash sessions originally planned for Letchworth Lido have been moved to Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre following the closure of the Letchworth pool after localised flooding.

High demand has also prompted organisers to add extra sessions at Hitchin Lido on Thursday (September 10) and Friday (September 11).

The weekend sessions on Saturday and Sunday are already fully booked, but a limited number of places remain for Thursday and Friday.

The 90-minute sessions allow dogs to enjoy the outdoor pool alongside their owners.

Sessions on Thursday and Friday will take place at 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

Weekend sessions will run at 10am, noon, 2pm and 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Anyone who had already booked a Doggy Splash session at Letchworth Lido does not need to take any action, with bookings automatically transferred to Hitchin for the same date and time.

Tim Melvin, Everyone Active contract manager for North Herts, said: "We've seen Doggy Splash prove really popular at some of our other lidos, so we're delighted to be bringing the event to North Herts and giving local dog owners the chance to enjoy a unique experience with their four-legged friends.

"Following the closure of Letchworth Lido, we've been pleased to relocate the sessions to Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre and, due to the high level of interest, add further sessions to give even more local dog owners the opportunity to take part.

"It's a great way to round off the summer season, and we're looking forward to welcoming customers and their dogs to Hitchin for what promises to be a really enjoyable event."

Cllr Amy Allen, North Herts Council's Executive Member for Environment, added: "We're always looking for fun ways to bring our communities together, and this is certainly a first for North Herts!

"I'm thrilled that Hitchin Lido will be welcoming dogs for a special Doggy Splash at the end of the season."

Tickets cost £18, which includes entry for one dog and one owner aged 18 or over. Additional spectators can attend for £8 each.

Dogs must be at least 10 months old and fully vaccinated, while owners are asked to make sure their pets are comfortable around other dogs and people.

Lifeguards will be on duty, although owners remain responsible for supervising their dogs and must enter the water with them if they use the main pool.

Remaining Thursday and Friday places can be booked through the Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre app.