A former company secretary and an entertainment manager have swapped their office jobs for the outdoor life.

Friends Lucy Fogarty and Abby Brindley have started their dog walking businesss along the banks of the River Medway. And both mums are loving their new lifestyle as well as keeping fit.

The aptly-named Riverside Barkers was launched at the beginning of March and business has increased since lockdown.

Lucy Fogarty, 42, from Strood, who used to work for her family business, said: "We have seen extra demand during the corona outbreak. Some customers have been shielding so we have taken their dogs for walks for them.

"And we have all heard about the corona puppies which have been bought during lockdown and we are lucky to know quite a few of them. It is more important than ever for puppies to be socialised.

"We have not been able to do our usual pop-in service for puppies and elderly dogs, but we have welcomed more pups on our group walks.

"As families return to work and school, we are receiving more inquiries. All equipment is sanitised for each use and a deep clean at the end of the day."

Their clients also include commuters who have moved to Medway from London and don't like to leave their pets alone at home all day.

Abby, 45, from Rainham, who used to market events at the Hop Farm Country Park at Paddock Wood near Maidstone, said:"We both really enjoy working for ourselves and have been enjoying discovering new walks across the River Medway from Rochester to Rainham.

"We are able to fit our walks around our children who are aged between 11 and 15. We are both dog lovers with two dogs of our own. It's also helping keep a middle-age spread at bay!"

Between them they walk many miles a week and have about 40 pooches on their books.

If you are interested call 07595 960547 or 07918 647345.

Have you made a career change during lockdown? Email njordan@thekmgroup.co.uk

Read more: All the latest news from Medway