Skip to content

Pete Wicks honoured with dog-walking trail

Genevieve Mullen,Essexand
Sonia Watson,in South Weald
Alicia Owen/BBC Pete Wicks has a big floppy brown fringe which is windswept, thick framed glasses and is wearing a brown vest jacket. Behind him is the grass lawns of the country park and trees.Alicia Owen/BBC
The TV personality, pictured at Weald Country Park, admits he prefers his pooches to people

A dog-walking trail at an Essex country park has been named after TV personality Pete Wicks.

Explore Essex, part of Essex County Council, unveiled the route at Weald Country Park near Brentwood.

Wicks, 37, who has appeared on The Only Way is Essex and Strictly Come Dancing, has been praised for his work as a Dogs Trust ambassador.

Speaking at the trail launch on Thursday, Wicks said it was as much of an "honour" as it was "embarrassing" to have it named after him.

"This is like being knighted for me," he added.

"Walking dogs has been a massive part of my life and having somewhere pre-planned and ready to go makes it so much easier."

Wicks has become an outspoken advocate for animal welfare and frequently uses his platform to promote dog adoption and responsible ownership.

UKTV/Sam Taylor A man, reality star Pete Wicks, holds a newborn puppy aloft while wearing protective plastic gloves. He has long hair and a beard and is looking thoughtfully at the dog, which is white with a black head and ears.UKTV/Sam Taylor
Wicks, who said dogs were "central" to his life, helped staff at the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Basildon with weighing newborn puppies

The new trail has been designed to provide a safe and accessible route for walkers and their dogs.

Ricky Hooper, manager of Essex country parks, said it was "really inspiring to see someone from Essex raise so much awareness around mental health – for which a walk in the park can have a positive impact".

Wicks has been a volunteer for various animal charities for more than a decade, which included joining a Humane Society International mission to South Korea to help shut down a dog meat farm.

Away from the cameras, he lives with his two rescue dogs Eric and Rodney.

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

More on this story
Related internet links