A TERRIFYING ordeal in the devastating New Zealand earthquake of 2011 - and the subsequent loss of their home - has led a kennels-owning Craven couple to launch their own bid to help victims of the Nepal earthquake.

Duncan and Judith Sugden, the owners of Langcliffe Kennels and Cattery, have started Walks for Nepal, where they take dogs on walks for a minimum of 45 minutes for £10, with a fiver going to the Red Cross Nepal appeal.

Judith said: "We were living in Christchurch, New Zealand, four years ago when the earthquake struck, so we know only too well what the poor people of Nepal are going through.

"It was a terrifying time and we are lucky to be alive. The aftermath was extremely difficult for us and everyone else in Christchurch, with no water and electricity. Many people were too afraid to return to their homes because of aftershocks.

"We received help from the Red Cross during this time and witnessed what good work they do. Obviously what we are doing now is a drop in the ocean but we feel we must do what we can to help. We would ask everyone to help the appeal in some way."

The couple returned to their Yorkshire roots last year to take over the kennels. All dogs staying at the kennels get two walks a day but the extra "taster freedom walks" for Nepal entail staff taking out dogs on local paths.

All walks will be recorded and contributor’s details included with all cash collected and sent to the Red Cross Earthquake Appeal.