VOLUNTEERS AT Teignmouth National Coastguard Institution had a welcome visit from Bonnie the dog and her companion Pippa Unwin during their sponsored walk of the South West Coast Path. 

Pippa, a member of the coastguard team at Bigbury, stopped off at the Teignmouth lookout at Eastcliff during her trek with Bonnie, a collie cross. 

She is raising funds for various charities including National Coastwatch and air ambulances in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset and Somerset. 

A spokesman for Teignmouth NCI said: ‘Pippa is walking the whole of the South West Coast Path with her trusty companion Bonnie the dog. 

‘Despite the dismal, wet weather they received a warm welcome at NCI Teignmouth with homemade cake and hot coffee, not forgetting some lovely doggie treats for Bonnie and in return we got sandy paws and salty kisses. 

‘After spending some time chatting and having photos taken with our Watch Keepers it was time for them to be on their way again, we helped her on with her huge, very heavy back pack.

‘Bonnie has her own little ‘panniers’ in which she carries her food, then it was just time to stamp Pippa’s SWCP Passport and they were on their way to Starcross for the night.’ 

Pippa said: ‘I am a member of the Bigbury Coastguard team and we work with all these amazing organisations to help keep people safe beside the sea. 

‘I’m hoping to raise awareness of who we are and what we do.’

Pippa is pictured with Watch Keepers, John, Linda and Nigel just after getting her South West Coast Path 'Passport' stamped.

To check out the campaign, click here.