FERNE Animal Sanctuary is preparing to celebrate the return of its annual dog show this weekend.

Set within the grounds of the Sanctuary’s 72-acre site near Chard, the event on Sunday (Sept 6) will bring together a day of dog friendly activities, entertainment and shopping.

Entries are open to dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages, with a wide range of popular categories returning including Best in Show, Best Trick, Loveliest Little Dog, Loveliest Large Dog Best Ferne Rescue, Waggiest Tail and Best Child Handler among many others.

Registration for each class is priced at £2 per entry and should be completed on arrival, with the first class commencing at 10.30 am and continuing throughout the day.

CEO at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Emma Purnell, said: “Our annual dog show is always a brilliant day in the Ferne calendar, bringing together our supporters, local community and their four-legged friends.

“This year, we’re excited to have even more for visitors to enjoy, from the dog show and family activities to the car boot sale and stalls.

“Most importantly, every ticket and entry helps us continue our work caring for and rehoming animals at the Sanctuary, so we hope to see lots of familiar and new faces joining us for a fun-filled day.”

Agility classes will run alongside classes for the best in show, best trick and even the waggiest tail.
Agility classes will run alongside classes for the best in show, best trick and even the waggiest tail. (Suzanne McFadzean)

Additional dog-themed activities and challenges will be available throughout the day including ‘Temptation Alley’, ‘Sit & Stay Challenge’ and ‘Have A Go Agility all priced at £1 per entry.

A car boot sale will appear alongside local stalls, giving visitors to give unwanted items a new lease of life while helping to raise vital funds for the Sanctuary.

Founded in 1939, Ferne Animal Sanctuary is one of the UK’s oldest animal charities.

The annual event will open from 10am to 4pm.

Tickets are priced at £10 per car, which includes access to the sanctuary, a car boot sale and a variety of stalls.