THIS weekend's fourth annual Hartlepool countryside festival will have a distinctly canine feel.

The popular free event will be held on Sunday, from noon until 4pm, at Summerhill Country Park.

There will be a wide range of activities for families to watch and participate in, including woodland crafts, animal displays and play activities.

This year, particular emphasis is being placed on dog-related issues, and council staff will be there to raise awareness of their work to develop a formal dog-walking policy for Summerhill. It is developing Dog Control Orders, powers introduced as part of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 that will replace existing dog by-laws.

Also on the dog theme, there will be a display by the Elaine Hill sheep dogs and a fun dog show, including categories such as the waggiest tail. People are invited to take their dogs along to join in.

Other attractions will include a heavy horse display and demonstrations by the living history group, Rent a Peasant.