A Dartford dog walker has taken an eccentric step to make his dogs feel more comfortable in the car - by covering it with fur.

Justin Scrutton, who has two dogs, bought an old Volkswagen Golf about six years ago to drive his pooches around and take them to woodland for long expeditions.

Mr Scrutton already has two company cars that he uses for his chauffeur company, but he needed to purchase another car to transport his dogs.

So, after discovering one of his neighbours was selling an old banger, he decided that would be the perfect fit for himself and his canine friends.

To customise the car, Mr Scrutton bought a personalised license plate, which reads 'W3 SHT' - a decision he describes as being influenced by a glass of wine.

One night, while trying to sleep, Mr Scrutton came up with the "crazy" idea of covering the car with fur, and after more research he purchased some 'teddy bear' style fur online.

In an interview with journalism student Chelsea Farrugia, Mr Scrutton said: "Several of my friends say that I have a little too much time on my hands."

Now Mr Scrutton and his dogs, Lola and Shenzo, have a little following around Dartford as the car turns heads wherever it goes - particularly when Lola sticks her head out of the window to enjoy the fresh air.

The Dartford Dog Car Facebook page has more than 200 members as people watch its journey through the town.

Asked how he is able to clean the car, Mr Scrutton joked: "Shampoo and set."

But he believes the vehicle is no more maintenance than any other car and has no trouble keeping it in a good condition.

Mr Scrutton hopes the car will help to bring a smile to people's faces as it drives through the town.

"We all need to take some time out to smile; to laugh; to make somebody else laugh," he said.

He added that if the car succeeds in making just one person happy, then his job is done.