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.

Eastern Daily Press: Winners of the family category at the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth, shelties Ben and his mum Bramble, with owner Gill King. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYWinners of the family category at the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth, shelties Ben and his mum Bramble, with owner Gill King. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

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.

Eastern Daily Press: Dogs are shown at the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYDogs are shown at the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

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.

Eastern Daily Press: Ruby Barnes, 10, with six-month-old Garfunkel, in the young handlers category of the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYRuby Barnes, 10, with six-month-old Garfunkel, in the young handlers category of the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

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.”

Eastern Daily Press: Dogs are shown at the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYDogs are shown at the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: Winners of the family category at the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth, shelties Ben and his mum Bramble. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYWinners of the family category at the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth, shelties Ben and his mum Bramble. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: Brothers Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley who won third place in the family category at the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYBrothers Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley who won third place in the family category at the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: Dogs watching the competition at the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYDogs watching the competition at the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: Great Yarmouth mayor, Kerry Robinson-Payne, back centre, and Alison Green front right, judge the dogs at the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYGreat Yarmouth mayor, Kerry Robinson-Payne, back centre, and Alison Green front right, judge the dogs at the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: Six-months-old Garfunkel with Felix Howard, 17, and his sister Ruby Barnes, 10, ready for the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYSix-months-old Garfunkel with Felix Howard, 17, and his sister Ruby Barnes, 10, ready for the Mayor's Dog Show Bark in the Market at Great Yarmouth. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)