Richard BatsonDogs heading to the Royal Norfolk Show this year will be able to take a rest at a new 'cr�che'. And it comes after show organisers drew on an idea from EDP cartoonist Tony Hall.Richard Batson

Dogs heading to the Royal Norfolk Show this year will be able to take a rest at a new 'cr�che'.

And it comes after show organisers drew on an idea from EDP cartoonist Tony Hall.

The artist is a regular showgoer with his faithful friend Harry, a 10-year-old border terrier.

But Mr Hall thought dogs, and their owners, would both benefit from somewhere for the pets to have a lie down, while the humans headed off to areas of the showground where dogs are banned - such as food tents, and livestock pens - or just simply so both could have some 'me' time.

When he wrote to show manager Sarah de Chair, she wrote back - to Harry - with a letter from her own dogs Digger and Dougal saying it was a good idea.

And the cr�che - in a marquee near the dog show - will carry the name, and a cartoon banner picture, of Harry Hall too.

Tony, from Oulton Street near Aylsham, said: 'I have these little ideas, but these sorts of things often get knocked on the head. So it was great to get a positive response.'

Much as he, and other dog owners, loved taking their pets to the show, there was also a need to for them to have a bit of 'respite'.

Mrs de Chair, who visits other shows with her dogs, said: 'A lot of people say they won't come to an event if they cannot bring their dogs because they don't want to leave them at home.

'Dogs can get tired and fed up, and will enjoy the rest too. We are always looking for ways to improve the facilities we provide for showgoers.'

There was already a small area, run by the RSPCA, where visitors to the dog show could leave their dogs, but the cr�che would expand on that for allcomers - with extra 35 cages, where people can leave their pets for up to two hours for a minimum donation.

It also helped prevent people leaving dogs in cars, which threw up problems on warm days - with staff having to break into cars in the past to free distressed animals.

Preparations for the show, which attracts 100,000 visitors over two days, were going well added Mrs de Chair, with an extra marquee being ordered for record numbers of cattle entries, and a full set of trade stands despite the recession.

Harry Hall will enjoy Very Important Pet status when he visits this year, and uses the cr�che named after him - and is in for the treat of a new leather collar.

People wanting to use the cr�che should visit there as soon as they arrive to arrange a stay.

The show is at the Norfolk Showground on July 1 and 2. Tickets cost �17 for adults, �6 for children, �15 for disable people and senior citizens, �8 for carers, and �45 for a family ticket, covering two adults and three children. To book visit your nearest EDP office.

See the EDP on Tuesday June 30 for a special 64-page preview supplement.