YOU’D have to be barking mad to miss a dog show and family fun day launched by Lord and Lady Fellowes in less than two weeks time.

The Downton Abbey creator and his wife Lady Fellowes have been invited to kick off the Rotary Club of Melcombe Regis’ Companion Dog Show and Family Fun Day in Weymouth.

The event will be held on Sunday March 22 at Budmouth College and is all about man’s best friend.

It will raise money for the Guide Dogs Association and includes free parking at the venue.

The show will be officially opened by Lord and Lady Fellowes at noon.

Guide Dogs Association volunteer Mary Larkin said: “The event really will be a lot of fun, with so much going on for families and dog lovers alike.

“It’s just brilliant to have Lord and Lady Fellowes there; they will be presenting the best in show pedigree trophy and will also be judging the novelty classes.

“We’ve had such a response for the dog show already and I would urge anyone looking for a fun day out in aid of a good cause to come along.”

Pedigree classes register from 9am and judging begins at 9.30pm. Novelty class judging is from 1pm with an added class for the best guide dog.

Keith Brignell, president of the Rotary Club of Melcombe Regis, said Lord and Lady Fellowes agreed to attend after a phone call from Rotary vice-president Bill White.

Mr Brignell added: “It’ll be fantastic to have them there and we’re hoping their presence will increase footfall.

“Budmouth College proved the perfect venue this year and we’re hoping to see up to 300 dogs take part in the show.

“We also wanted the event to be more than just a dog show, so we introduced the family fun day element.

“I would encourage everyone to come along, have fun, and bring their dogs to join in too.”

For the children, activities will include a bouncy castle and miniature steam railway, together with trade and craft stalls, an art exhibition, classic cars, military vehicles, a barbecue and refreshments.

Mary added: “There are 70 guide dogs in Dorset and we’re hoping to get as many of them at the event as possible.

“Events like these really help to raise awareness of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, which is so important because the association has a presence in Dorset and we don’t want people to forget that.”

The Rotary show hopes to build on the success of the first event last year which supported Canine Partners.

More than 80 pedigree dogs took part in the classes, with many owners entertaining their prized pooches in several competitions.

For more information call Mary Larkin on 01305 457259.