You would have had to have been barking mad to go to Great Yarmouth’s market if you were not a fan of man’s best friend.
On Saturday, Market Place was graced with the presence of many of our canine friends as they took part in Bark in the Market, a special charity event.
The dog show, designed to include as many different and varied dogs as possible, was organised by the town’s mayor, Kerry Robinson-Payne.
Entrance into the dog show was £1, with all the proceeds of the event going to one of the mayor’s chosen charities for her year in office, the Cinnamon Trust, a national charity which cares for the elderly, the terminally ill, and their pets.
The event took place between 10am and 2pm at Market Place, and saw dogs compete for various categories with the first show at 11am.
Any dog could enter any category, including most handsome dog, prettiest bitch, best rescue dog, best junior handler, best puppy and the dog the judges would most like to take home.
Those judged first, second and third in each category received a certificate and rosette, but one dog was chosen by Mrs Robinson-Payne to receive an extra-special award, some doggie treats, provided by Cut Price Pet Foods.
Best in show was won by Rolo, a five month old dachshund who had also won Best Puppy.
Cooper, a black and white cockapoo won the award for dog the judges would most like to take home after beating off stiff competition from German shepherd Mr Wilson and bassett hound Lulu.
Cooper’s owner, Dan Campbell, on holiday from Surrey, said: “We heard about the event from an internet search looking for things to do.
“The event is a good idea, it’s a bit of fun and gets people and their dogs out. I help at a dog rescue for German shepherds and you don’t see enough dogs out these days.”
Mrs Robinson-Payne said: “It was really hard to choose between the dogs, I would like to take them all home but I thought he was just a cheeky chap. “It is just lovely to have a meeting in the market, bringing people together and you bump into people you haven’t seen.
“The general community spirit has been lovely.”
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