THE emphasis was firmly on fun when a stately home threw open its gates to man's best friend.

Kiplin Hall, at Scorton, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, staged a dog show that was a long way from the formality of Crufts.

The event, part of the Herriot Happenings Week, saw crowds of dogs, big and small, enjoying a sun-soaked afternoon in the hall's walled garden.

They competed for honours in not-so-serious categories, including fastest sausage eater, looks-most-like-owner, waggiest tail, and brightest eyes.

The event, which was yesterday being held for its second year, has been so successful it looks likely to become an annual tradition.