Loud woofs could be heard from Budmouth College at the weekend

A family fun day and charity dog show got underway at the college on Saturday morning.

The event was held to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and was organised by Weymouth Heart Heroes.

Dan Hallett, one of the event’s organisers, decided to fundraise for BHF after undergoing open heart surgery as a child.

He said: “I was born with a heart problem and have always supported BHF. This is the third year we have been holding this event and it will also be my third year running the London Marathon for BHF.

“I have to keep fit just to keep my blood pressure down, so I try to keep active and set challenges along the way.

“The first dog show was meant to be a one-off but so many people asked if we could keep doing it, so we made it an annual event. The weather has been against us today but there’s still been a good turnout. We’ve got a dog agility course outside, a bouncy castle and plenty of classes, both pedigree and novelty.”

He added that without all the event’s sponsors and volunteers it would not be able to happen.

Lilly Young and her poodle Badger entered the best six legs category, she said: “We started doing dog shows like this last year. We have been all over the place to take part, but mainly in the south of England. Badger loves it, he’s always socialising with the other dogs. It’s the first time that we’ve been along to this event, it has been really good so far.”

Kev Knags and Louise Bunce entered their dogs Rosie and Lady into the dog show.

Rosie, who is a crossbreed retriever, won the prettiest bitch category.

Mr Knags said: “We go to a few novelty dog shows just for a bit of fun, but we didn’t expect her to win.”

Meanwhile, Lady won third place in the most appealing eyes category and highly commended in the best rescue dog category.

Mark Evans entered his brother-in-law’s dog Lacey, who is a springer spaniel, into the best six legs category and won first prize.

He said: “I came along because I know Dan, we do a lot of running, cycling and swimming together. It’s my brother-in-law’s dog. He was working this morning, so I stood in and borrowed her. It has been a really good laugh.”

James Bell, his brother-in-law, added: “I was at work this morning, so he took her off my hands. I’m surprised he won, but not as surprised as Mark.”

Moonlight Dog Agility Club erected an agility course outside.

Gary Mccormack from the club said: “A lot of people haven’t done anything like this before.

“It’s been good to give them a taster session, and if they like it, they’re welcome to come along to our club.

“They’ve been really enjoying it so far. It has also been nice to see the youngsters giving it a go with their dogs.”

Mr Hallett and Paul Stockwell, another one of the event’s organisers, will be running the London Marathon in April.

They’re aiming to raise £4,500 for British Heart Foundation.

To find out how to support their fundraiser visit Facebook.com/BHFmarathon