PET charity Blue Cross is offering free talks to local schools and groups.

The Blue Cross Education Team provides free talks to young people about pet welfare, staying safe around dogs and responsible pet ownership from an early age to encourage behaviour change across a generation.

Earlier this year, Chris Packham joined forces with Blue Cross to become the charity’s education ambassador.

Chris said: “It is very important to me to be part of encouraging current and future pet owners to learn more about the needs of the animals that share our lives.

"I feel strongly that being able to engage children in the classroom can have a huge impact for the future and how they will safeguard and protect pets and other species."

Kerry Taylor, education manager at Blue Cross, said: “With the start of the new term we are urging teachers to book a talk now and help us to improve the lives of both pets and their owners, and stamp out cases of animal cruelty and neglect in the process.”

To book a free school talk or to find out more information, email education@bluecross.org.uk, call 0300 111 8950 or visit bluecross.org.uk/education.