THE Malvern Hills are causing tails to wag after being named one of the country's best locations for dog-walking.

The town's famous slopes feature in the Good Dog Campaign's top 10 walks in Britain as part of a survey demonstrating the benefits of taking a regular stroll.

Judges were particularly impressed with Mal-vern for the variety of walks available for dogs and their owners of all abilities among the beacons of the Hills.

Nominated by the nation's dog wardens, presenter Philippa Forrester headed up the judging panel to find the most desirable places to walk for owners and their four-legged friends.

Dog trainer Sue Harris, of Orchard Road, Malvern, walks her lurcher Tigger and Jack Russell Toby on the hills every day. She said: "I feel we're immensely privileged to have the Hills on our doorstep - they're the best place in the world to walk dogs but they have to be kept under control."

Ian Rowat, director of the Malvern Hills Conservators - the organisation that manages the slopes - said he was delighted with the result.

"We welcome responsible dog-walkers and certainly it's a very popular area for them.

"I think it's because they're near to where people live. For example, if you go to a national park you have to drive for about two hours with the dog in the car.

"The only thing we'd ask is that they respect the countryside, don't let their dogs chase stock, and clear up after them."

The survey also revealed nine in 10 dog owners in the Midlands walk in the countryside compared to only six in 10 in London.

Furthermore, 45 per cent of non-dog owners felt they would do more walking if they had a dog.

"We're thrilled the Malvern Hills have achieved a place in the Good Dog Campaign's top 10 walks," said the district's dog warden Paul Hine.

"The stunning views from the top of the ridge over the counties of Herefordshire and Worc-estershire are simply breathtaking.

"We hope our new title will encourage walkers, with or without a dog, to come and appreciate the best of the British countryside."