Record numbers and thousands raised at popular Strutt Your Mutt event

Strut Your Mutt 2017 event. Jessica Thorpe with her Cockerpoo Lola. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

A celebration of dogs was marked in style as the popular annual Strutt Your Mutt event was hailed as 'the best' yet.

The seventh sponsored walk and dog day attracted the crowds to Benacre National Nature Reserve on Sunday as funds were raised for a canine charity.

Strut Your Mutt 2017 event. Leonburger German Carting Dog Display. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Attractions included a two or five-mile sponsored dog walk around the Benacre Estate in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, stalls and entertainment aplenty.

With the annual charity event hosted by Wangford Veterinary Clinic, organiser Jill Asquith said: 'It was absolutely brilliant.

Strut Your Mutt 2017 event. Nicki Stafford, Hilary Page and judge Louise Clarke. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

'We had a lovely day. There was a lovely atmosphere, lots of dogs and was probably the best event we have had.'

Visitors taking part in the sponsored walks had the rare opportunity to enjoy areas of the estate that are not usually open to the public. Other attractions included music and entertainment, a fun dog show, falconry display, ferreting demonstration, a gun dog display, breed parade, Leonberger Carting Display and the new Templewicks Super Dog challenge – which was hosted in the main arena, pitting dogs and their owners against the clock in a number of different activities including agility, weaving while holding a jug of water and doggy bingo. The winner was Dana Strafford with her dog Piper.

Strut Your Mutt 2017 event. Sue Moore with her Bernese Mountain Dogs. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

The ever-popular dog show attracted 174 entries this year, with best in show awarded to Billy, a Jack Russell owned by Harvey Daniels, and Reserve Best In show was Oscar a Labradoodle owned by Derek Carter.

The fastest recall winners were 1 Bracken 2.06, 2 Elsie 2.29 and 3 Sophie 2.34.

Strut Your Mutt 2017 event. Agility display from Paws of Parham. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Mrs Asquith said: 'It was fun for all the family. In the breed parade there were more than 40 breeds taking part.

'We had record numbers in the fun dog show and we had 10 different classes. We still have some monies to tally, but we are looking at hopefully somewhere in the region of £6,000 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Strut Your Mutt 2017 event. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

'We are thrilled, we really are.'

Strut Your Mutt 2017 event. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Strut Your Mutt 2017 event. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)