DOG owners showed off their prized pets at an increasingly popular charity show yesterday.

The event, at Consett and Blackhill Park, in Consett, attracts dog lovers who may be unlikely to enter any other canine competition.

Prizes of free veterinary treatment were up for grabs at the show, which raises money for the Pets as Therapy (Pat) charity.

All types of breeds, from the mongrels to pedigree poodles, were among the 70 entries. Categories ranged from the best rescue or re-homed dog and the best coat to the prettiest bitch and most handsome dog.

Winners received a canine health pack, containing vouchers for an annual booster, a wormer, six months' flea treatment and a bag of dog food.

All dogs finishing up to sixth place in each category received rosettes.

Organiser Jacqui Molyneux, principal vet at Prince Bishop Veterinary Hospital, at Leadgate, near Consett, said: "It's very much a fun day out for all the family, with some excellent and very useful prizes. There are lots of different classes, including fun ones such as for the dog that most looks like its owner, which usually proves interesting.

"The weather stayed pretty good until we were presenting the prizes, almost at the end, when the heavens opened."

Ms Molyneux said the event, the third of its kind, raised an estimated £566 for the Pat charity.

Pat enables specially-trained dogs to visit nursing homes and hospitals to offer comfort to dog-loving patients.