RESCUE dogs who take the prize ribbons at Buckham Fair this Sunday will also take record prize money.

Martin Clunes’s successful fundraising Buckham Fair – which raised £6,600 for Weldmar Hospicecare Trust last year – includes a rescue dog championship which now has £1,500 in sponsorship.

More than 50 rescue dogs will compete for one of the most valuable competitions in the country for rescue dogs.

The winners will have the privilege of meeting last year’s winner, Whylie, owned by Sarah Singleton, from Yeovil.

Whylie was rescued from Afghanistan by the charity Nowzad.

He had been mutilated and his ears and tail were cut off after being used as a fighting dog by local Afghans in Kandahar. His new owner says she and her brave and extraordinary dog will be in the main ring at Buckham Fair to see who will succeed him as this year’s champion.

The championship prize money will be distributed to rescue dog organisations nominated by the first six placed prize winners.

This year’s Buckham Fair, run by Philippa and Martin Clunes, is on Sunday, August 17. Full details can be found at buckhamfair.co.uk