Walking award for hill-loving dog

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/8411704.stm

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An adventurous dog from the Yorkshire Dales which regularly tackles the area's famous hills has been given a special award by the national park.

Morris, a 13-year-old collie-springer spaniel cross from Chapel-le-Dale, sneaks out of his home to join groups of hikers on the Three Peaks trail.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority have now made Morris an honorary friend of the park's peaks.

He was also given a medal for scaling Ingleborough 32 times since April.

At 723m (2372ft) Ingleborough forms part of the Three Peaks walk which also includes Pen-y-ghent and Whernside. Morris lives in a pub situated on the walk's route so he encounters many walkers passing through.

Morris's owner Sabena Martin said: "He tends to head towards Horton which is quite a big mileage, and very often he ends up at the cafe there where he gets a sausage and awaits pick up."

Mrs Martin added that if they were in the area the local taxi firm would bring Morris home.

Alan Hulme, of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: "Morris is a professional escapologist but, generally, if you are planning to take your dog on a walk in the area, we would recommend that it is kept on a lead."