PUPPY pals were out in force as a popular dog show made its return to a village to raise vital funds for charity.

The Wickham St Paul Fun Dog Show was back on Saturday, with fun, games and stunning weather.

The event saw more than £1,000 raised for two charities as well as the village church.

Funds went to Guide Dogs for the Blind, as well as the Ronald Macdonald charity, which helps to support families with a child in hospital by providing free ‘home away from home’ accommodation.

This year was the 13th annual Wickham Dog Show, which usually takes place on the first Saturday of September.

Susan Read has been the event organiser for three years.

She said: “Our dog show was held on Saturday on our beautiful village green and what fun it was.

“Everyone had a good time, and the weather was perfect.

“Martin our chef, with the help of Paul and Stuart, manned the barbecue and Susan and Ann from the WI served tea and cakes in the hall.

“It was a hot afternoon, and the ice cream van was kept very busy.

“The classes of the day included fastest sausage eater and best fancy dress.

"Santa’s sleigh was a clear winner but fastest sausage eater had to have an action replay.

“During the interval, Simon Jackson from the Retired Police Dog charity gave us a demonstration on how our K9 police work to catch the bad guys with forensic scent dog Bodie and Callie, a retired German shepherd who had life-changing injuries whilst working, who now has a commendation medal for his efforts.

“Following on from the Best in Show we had another demonstration from Linda Hughes from All Action Dogs with Sendze and Keltie who gave us a demonstration on agility and walking to heel.

“This fundraising event was a huge success and we raised over £1,100 for Guide Dogs for the Blind, Ronald Macdonald charity and our beautiful village church All Saints'.”