A Suffolk town has been shortlisted as one of the most dog friendly places in a national competition.
Bury St Edmunds has made the shortlist of the National DogFriendly Awards 2024 in the UK's most dog friendly town category.
The town won silver in the 2023 competition, beaten only by Girvan, in Scotland, with Eastbourne taking bronze.
The DogFriendly Awards recognise places and businesses that go the extra mile to welcome dogs and their owners.
Winners are chosen by public vote and will be announced at a ceremony in London on November 21.
Bury St Edmunds has developed its own dog friendly scheme to help visitors and residents easily identify where their four-legged pal is made welcome.
Around 140 shops, restaurants, places to stay and more have signed up to the scheme and display a blue paw print logo sticker and water bowl in their window.
Mark Cordell, chief executive of Our Bury St Edmunds BID, which now includes the town’s official tourism brand Bury St Edmunds and Beyond, said: “It is fantastic that Bury St Edmunds has reached the finals for a second time, two years in a row. Last time we were England's most dog friendly town, this year we hope to be the most dog friendly town in the UK.
"Not only does Bury St Edmunds welcome dogs in many of our businesses, but many go the extra mile offering items on their menus, free snacks for dogs and more and many of our local accommodation businesses offer dog stays too.
"It means that residents and visitors know that they don’t have to leave the four-legged member of their family at home when they visit the town allowing them to visit and stay longer.
“In addition, this last year the town's tour guides now offer dog friendly tours to visitors and St Edmundsbury Cathedral has become dog friendly and has even published a dogs of the Cathedral calendar for 2025."
Jon Kay, who founded the town’s dog friendly scheme with help from Bury St Edmunds Town Council, Our Bury St Edmunds BID, and Bury St Edmunds and Beyond, said: "We are super proud to be a finalist again, which is reflective of what we already believe - that Bury St Edmunds is one of the most dog friendly places in the country.
"The accolade is a testament to the combined efforts of local businesses and a passionate group behind the scenes going over and above to make our four legged friends welcome. We are excited and hopeful for the awards but know competition will be tough."
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