One of the borough's MPs has revealed how he has faced dog attacks while out campaigning.

Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake made the admission as he gave his backing to a campaign to encourage responsible dog ownership.

The Royal Mail, along with the Battersea Cats and Dogs Home and the Dogs Trust, is running a campaign to cut the number of dog attacks on the country's streets.

There were 13 dog attacks in Carshalton and Wallington last year and postal workers and other people who go door-to-door - including politicians who regularly canvas - are most at risk. 

As part of the Royal Mail's Dog Awareness Week, a drop-in session was held at Westminster for MPs to find out about how they can protect themselves and their teams from attacks.

Mr Brake, who visited the session, said: "I am pleased to have attended the session at Westminster where I learned and shared tips on how to protect myself and my colleagues from dog attacks when out canvassing in Carshalton and Wallington.

"Dog attacks are a significant issue faced by postal workers, members of the public and indeed by myself and my colleagues when out leafleting."

Shaun Davis, the Royal Mail's director of health, safety, wellbeing and sustainability, said: " "We’re pleased that Tom Brake MP is lending his support to our important campaign.

"As we’ve seen from our survey, postal workers are not alone in facing dog attacks – politicians experience the same risk of being bitten by a dog every time they canvass or deliver a leaflet through someone’s door. Nobody should face this hazard whilst simply trying to do their job."

The Royal Mail wants dog owners to make sure their pets are indoors when the post arrives and to make sure they are kept under control at all times.