Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has announced a brand-new fundraising event to be held at their London Centre on 24 and 25 October.

Battersea Lates will give ticketholders a unique opportunity to enter the grounds after dark, meet some very special dogs, and enjoy pizza beneath the stars, before cosying up in Battersea’s atmospheric surroundings to watch a classic animal-themed film.

The much-loved charity is following in the footsteps of other established London organisations to invite people in after hours, to enable the public to get a rare glimpse of Battersea after dark.

A pop-up pizza vendor and bar will provide refreshments before an outdoor screening of the brilliant 1993 film, Homeward Bound.

Visitors will also have the chance to meet some very friendly four-legged guests who have been given special permission to stay up late whilst their kennelmates sleep soundly far away from the festivities.

Battersea Centre Manager Steven Craddock said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming people to Battersea for a fun-filled evening.

"This is going to be an exciting new experience for everyone, not least of all for the lovely dogs who will be looking forward to meeting their special guests in October.

"All funds raised on the night will help our charity continue to offer help to over 7000 dogs and cats every year.”

The childhood classic movie celebrates its 25th anniversary on 22 October, making Battersea’s screening all the more special.

The nostalgic tale features Golden Retriever Shadow, Chance the American Bulldog and cautious cat Sassy as they embark on a perilous journey through the Californian wilderness having mistakenly thought they had been abandoned by their family.

Gates will open at 6.45pm and the film is scheduled to begin at 8pm. Tickets cost £12 plus booking fee and can be bought in advance online. All guests must be aged 18 years or over due to licensing laws.