RACING and retired greyhounds from Crayford Greyhound Stadium are being given a new lease of life thanks to a hydrotherapy spa near Maldon.

The new spa room at Clark’s Farm Rehoming Kennels includes a hydrotherapy bath which massages the dogs with targeted jets of warm water.

This supports greyhounds recovering from aches and sprains, surgery, or those which have conditions such as arthritis.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: A greyhound enjoying the new spaA greyhound enjoying the new spa

The relaxing bath also claims to help increase blood flow to any affected areas which helps to improve mobility.

Crayford Greyhound Stadium has donated more than £6,500 to pay for the specialist equipment.

This includes a specially designed hoist to safely move the greyhounds in and out of the bath.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: The greyhound in the specially designed hoistThe greyhound in the specially designed hoist

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The kennels will also be welcoming a canine massage therapist volunteering to give sessions to any hounds with muscle complaints or who would benefit from a relaxing massage.

The stadium works with Friends of Crayford Retired Greyhounds (FOCRG) to find forever homes for its retired racers via two kennels including the one at Clark’s Farm.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: FOCRG greyhound ambassador FOCRG greyhound ambassador

As well as the new spa, this year the stadium has paid for an upgrade of the kennel doors at Clark’s Farm and gifted the team with new leads, muzzles and bowls.

Diana Illingworth at FOCRG said: "The support for this project means the care for Crayford’s ex-racing greyhounds continues on long after retirement and rehoming.

"It’s fantastic that welfare continues to be a priority after the greyhounds have left the track.

"New owners are excited at using these facilities giving their new pets the best care possible."

The stadium has thanked the charity and its volunteers for their work.

Peter Broadbridge, stadium manager at Crayford Greyhound Stadium, said: "We work closely with the FOCRG who do an incredible job finding new homes for our retired racers.

"We are delighted that this new facility is up and running - it is a great bit of kit I am sure it will be a real benefit to their greyhounds for many years to come.

"We want every greyhound that races at our track to receive the very best treatment during every stage of their lives.

"We’re pleased, therefore, that our trainers will have access to this facility by appointment and I am sure that they will make good use of it."

For more information contact Friends of Crayford Retired Greyhounds on 07549 826 240.

Or visit focrg.com.