Game, set and match to My Wish dog day

It was going to take more than the World Cup and Wimbledon to keep dog owners from the My Wish Bury Dog Show.

The West Suffolk Hospital charity's fund raising manager Sue Smith admits she was concerned when she realised that, after a year of planning, the Nowton Park event on Sunday would clash with two huge sporting events.

But she said: "Considering it clashed with the men's final at Wimbledon and the World Cup final, I was surprised by the number of people there.

"With the heat we also had to make extra provisions with gazeebos in the rings and dog paddling pools.

"The Nowton Park team were amazing, running water to us in their vans all day."

With classes organised and judged by Moreton Hall Vets and RWS FM doing the commentary, the show was a true family event with classes for everyone from the cutest puppy to the golden oldie (dog not owner).

There were also classes for the waggiest tail, best doggy trick and best young handler while dachshunds of all sizes turned out for Mischief's Dachshund Dash.

But the fun had a serious purpose. It raised money for the charity's Wish Upon a Star Appeal, which supports young patients.

Sue said: "We're going to purchase special wheelchairs for children who have had hip spica surgery we need so many wheelchairs."

The surgery is for children whose hip joints do not fit properly and My Wish has already bought special car seats and pushchairs.

• More of Mark Westley's pictures in Friday's Bury Free Press.