Ludlow dog event has its day for charity

The Ludlow Dog Day, held at Stokesay Court between Ludlow and Craven Arms, has raised £20,000 for charity, it has been revealed, smashing the previous year's total of £16,000.

Organised by Ludlow Rotary Club, the day saw everything from performances by dog display teams and competitions to a wealth of specialist doggy-related market stalls.

Last year's Dog Day was the first as the club decided to try putting on a big event rather than lots of small ones to see if it would raise more money.

Rotary club spokesman John Hunt said the result had been a success, with this year's event, held on July 19, exceeding expectations and ensuring it would be an annual event.

The money will be split between Ludlow Hospital League of Friends, Canine Partners and St Michael's Hospice, he said.

The day was hosted with permission from the owners of Stokesay Court, a private country house that is rarely open to the public, and tours of the house and gardens were also offered on the day. Jules Hudson, presenter of BBC's Escape to the Country, opened the event for the second year running.

Competitions included categories such as scruffiest mutt, fastest sausage eater, waggiest tail, and best trick, while gun dog owners had the chance to show off their dogs' abilities to retrieve.

Meanwhile trained dogs took part in flyball displays, dog obedience displays and assistance dog displays.

Local brewery Hobsons, based near Cleobury Mortimer, also brewed a special beer called Hair of the Dog Ale for the event, with a percentage of proceeds going to the rotary causes.

Barry Forrester, Ludlow Rotary Club secretary, said: "Once again we much thank our generous host Caroline Magnus for allowing us to use the beautiful grounds of Stokesay Court as the venue for the event again, and to popular TV presenter Jules Hudson who again did such a brilliant job for us.

"We could not have undertaken an event of this size without the generous help of this year's major sponsors Nock Deighton, Shukers, Teme Vets and Hobsons Brewery.

"Thanks must also go to the many friends, spouses and rotary colleagues whose help was crucial in organising and manning what is fast becoming a major event. We would also like to thank all those members of the public who helped to make this event such a great financial success in support of our chosen charities," he added.