A former Blue Peter presenter served as the judge for a charity dog show.

Valerie Singleton was the guest at Colten Care’s Newstone House in Sturminster Newton to judge the care home’s show.

The categories she judged included Best Trick, Best Dressed Dog, Waggiest Tail and Best in Show.

She said: “What a fantastic day. This has been my first visit to Newstone House and it’s been so nice to meet all the residents and of course the wonderful dogs and their owners.”

Fudge the cocker spaniel won the award in the category of Best in Show.

Other dogs to receive accolades included Peso the Mexican Hunting Dog and Troy the Pointer.

The event managed to raise £198.50 for Jessie’s Fund – an organisation that helps children with educational difficulties to communicate through music.

Rebekah Goddard, Companionship Team Leader at Newstone House, said: “So many staff and residents’ families at Newstone have dogs and we live in a real dog-lovers community, so we thought we would invite people to come in and celebrate their dogs with us.

“We’ve been absolutely bowled-over by the response. It has just been so amazing to see so many wonderful dogs and their owners having a great time with our residents in the sunshine.”

One resident of Newstone House, Dorothy Machin, participated with her daughter Karen Maple and Karen’s dog Bonnie.

All three turned up in polka dot themed attire.

Dorothy said: “It’s absolutely wonderful to see all these beautiful dogs in the home. We are hoping Bonnie will win the Best Dressed dog category.”

Guests were also treated to cream tea and were invited to take part in a raffle.

Prizes from the raffle were donated by local businesses.

Manager Debs Wiltshire said: “Jessie’s Fund has helped the family of one of our residents so we were thrilled to be able to raise money for this great cause.

“Our special thanks go to Valerie who was a wonderful host and judge and everyone who made the day possible. It’s definitely an event we will be repeating.”