A DAY of special events was organised to mark the launch of new dog-walking routes across Basildon.

The district council has established the routes to encourage people to take better care of their pets and the environment.

The council teamed up with neighbourhood management project, Interlock, to map three dog-walking routes.

The routes are marked out with signs and equipped with dog waste bins and mess bag dispensers.

Two are Northlands Park, off Felmores Road, Basildon, the third is in Rushley Park, off Rushley, Basildon.

Activities at the scheme's launch in Northlands Park a treasure trail, dog show, canine display team, pets corner and dog chipping.