LAST weekend proved to be a real ‘sausage fest’ at Freshwater West as more than 50 delightful dachshunds, and their owners, walked the beach.

The event, which saw so many of the adorable animals visiting the sands, was the brainchild of Charlotte Baldwin, who created the Facebook-based Sausage Dogs Walks, South Wales UK in October 2015.

Charlotte said: “I arrange monthly walks around south/west Wales. The walks usually last up to two hours, but you can always turn back if you find it’s too far. The walks are a lovely way to meet people and also for your little dachshunds to make friends and gain confidence.

“It all took off about a year ago, I only thought about 30-40 dachshunds owners would join. We now have members worldwide and it’s growing. It's been amazing.”

There’s another reason for Charlotte’s walks, raising funds to help disabled dachshunds, many of which suffer IVDD (Intervertebral disk disease), which sadly leaves many paralysed.

Charlotte added: “We chose Freshwater West as it's one of the most stunning beaches anywhere; and we also have many members down west. My group has nearly 4,000 members and we've raised nearly £8,000 in eight months for disabled dachshunds.

“Thank you for the donations, you’re amazing and can't thank you enough. We raised £50, £5 of which was donated by a kind man I met last week, telling him about what we do and be wanted to donate.

“Looking forward to many more walks throughout the summer and welcoming new Sausages and families.”

For dachshund fans, another sausage walk features on Glamorgan Coastal Lives on BBC1 tonight, April 14, at 7.30pm, when Charlotte takes 500 for a walk.