A former regional journalist has launched a new business chaperoning dogs to weddings.

Shirley Hastings, who used to be a reporter on the Ross-shire Journal, has started the service to help marrying couples who want their pets to be involved in their big day.

Shirley already runs a dog walking service in the Highlands called Hiking Hounds and has a pet spaniel called Sydney.

She told her old newspaper she was inspired to set up the business due to the experience she had at her own wedding.

Shirley with pet dog Sydney

Shirley, 41, said “We were lucky in the sense that a family friend kindly agreed to take Sydney along after the ceremony for photographs.

“What we hadn’t banked on was it being the hottest day of the year.

“When he arrived I was so concerned about it being too hot we packed him off home with his doggy carer just as quickly as he arrived.”

Shirley has now started taking bookings for weddings next summer.

She added: “Far from the really nice thought-out picture of the three of us on my wedding day we ended up with a snatched shot.

“Having a professional chaperone on the day to liaise with the photographer and ensure our dog was relaxed and happy would undoubtedly made it a much better experience for everyone.

“I am essentially your dog’s very own plus one to your wedding.”