POOCHES will be parading around a local park as they strut their stuff in a fun-filled charity dog show next weekend.

Following the success of the first dog show in Highfield Park last year, it will be returning for the second time next Saturday, September 4, bigger and better than before.

The organisers were bowled over by the support and turn out of the inaugural event which attracted some 100 mutts and their owners.

Organiser Joyce Goodwin said: “Following on from the amazing success of last year, we are hoping for a great turn out again, and have more people helping out too! We all sat in the Plough pub totally unable to speak after last year’s show.”

All breeds are welcome to next weekend’s event, which will take place on the cricket pitch field and will have an emphasis on fun with Kennel Club rules and standards strictly banned.

Categories include most handsome dog, prettiest bitch, best veteran, musical dogs, best child handler, best rescue dog, best biscuit catcher, best fancy dress and best in show.

And the event will culminate for the first time with the Highfield Parade, in which all of the dogs taking part in the show will be walked around the field at the end of the afternoon.

Registration for the categories starts at 12.30pm with the competitions kicking off at 2pm.

All the money raised will be split between the Great Dane Adoption Society and the Chiltern Dog Rescue Society.

Volunteers, as well as donations for the tombola and cake sales, are also needed and anyone interested in helping should email highfielddogwalkers@yahoo.co.uk