DOG owners in and around Okehampton will have lots of chances to get their dogs microchipped for free in the coming months, thanks to the Dogs' Trust, West Devon Borough Council and a dog training facility.

Devon Dogs, based at East Bowerland Farm just outside the town, is offering free microchipping sessions at its training venues for any dog owners whose dogs are in need of a microchip.

East Bowerland Farm will host sessions on Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2 during its balance canine athlete weekend.

The chipping sessions will be open between 10am and 4pm, and are open to everyone.

Devon Dogs also holds training sessions at Newhall Equestrian Centre at Broadclyst. There will be microchipping sessions here on January 11, January 12 and January 15.

The Dogs' Trust teamed up with West Devon Borough Council in December to microchip 62 dogs for free at Belstone Village Hall.

With each microchip costing around £20, the event saved West Devon dog owners more than £1,200. Another 33 dogs were given microchips free of charge at Hatherleigh Market earlier in December.

More free microchip events with West Devon will be taking place in 2014 — at the Burrow Cafe in Exbourne on February 7 from 10am to noon, in Chagford Library on February 14 from 10.30am to 12.30pm and in Broadwoodkelly Village Hall on February 21 from 10am to noon. For more information visit the website at http://www.chipmydog.org.uk">www.chipmydog.org.uk or for more information on Devon Dogs visit http://www.devondogs.co.uk">www.devondogs.co.uk