DORSET dogs of all shapes and sizes turned out with their owners to take part in a fun charity event.

The annual Weldmar Hospicecare Trust family dog show took place on Saturday and organisers say the event has raised at least £1,000 for the charity.

Community fundraiser Mark Howlett said: “It really was a great success with around 200 people attending the event and around 60 dogs taking part. This is the third year we have done this event. It was actually supposed to take place in May but it got rained off this year. We’re really pleased we were able to go ahead.”

With classes ranging from cutest puppy, best young handler, best walk to heel, waggiest tail and best fancy dress, there was something for all the family.

Mark said: “We are not trying to be a serious dog show, it is very much a family dog show so although it’s judged properly it does not take itself too seriously “It really was great to see so many people there, enjoying the hog roast or having picnics.”

The dog show is one of a number of events run by the charity throughout the year to raise funds for the Dorset hospice. It receives 30 per cent of its funding from the NHS and the rest of the money needed to keep the service running comes from donations and fundraising events.

Mark said: “Without the support of people across Dorset we simply could not continue to support patients and their families in the way we do.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who came to the dog show and all the businesses who supported us. We couldn’t do it without them.”