DOGS are going barking mad after a Crufts-inspired agility course opened at shopping centre on the outskirts of Evesham. 

The new agility course is the latest offering from the dog-friendly retail and leisure destination the Valley Evesham.

The course opened on Friday (October 4) and is free to use. 

(Image: The Valley)

Phil Maclean, retail director at The Valley in Evesham said: "It has been absolutely mobbed since it opened. 

"We went to Cruft's earlier in the year which is where we got the inspiration from. 

"We said we have the space for it and so we went for it. 

"There are lots of people who watch the agility at Cruft's and never give it a go. 

"So we have made a place where they can come down with their family and see their dog's reaction. 

"So far it is really well used and all the dogs are having a whale of a time."

(Image: The Valley)

Adding to the dog-centric lure at The Valley, the shopping centre has announced that its annual Christmas Dog Parade will take place on December 1.

The parade will see pups and owners don festive attire to join in with the holiday cheer.

Mr Maclean continued: "As a lifelong dog lover, I’m thrilled to see our vision for a dog-friendly destination come to life.

"The agility course and our various events are just the beginning of what we hope will be a wonderful experience for dogs and their owners alike.

"The story goes back quite a while to the very beginning and now most of our stores and cafes are dog friendly and this is just the latest idea.

"We can’t wait to see the joy this will bring to our visitors."

(Image: The Valley)

The Valley currently has a number of household name brands including Fatface, Mountain Warehouse and Card Factory as well as boasting the "busiest Coffee #1 coffee shop in the country.

Martin and Carr Vets recently moved to The Valley which added to the shopping centre's dog friendly pedigree.