THIS is the weekend when Ludlow goes to the dogs.

It is expected that thousands of people will be at Stokesay Court on Sunday (July20) for the first ever Ludlow Dog Day.

This is the big charity fund raising event of the year by the Ludlow Rotary Club and is the culmination of many months of work.

Gates will be open at 10am and close at 5pm with the intervening seven hours given over to all things canine.

There are many attractions planned but the organisers can only hope that it is a day when mad dogs and Englishmen can go out in the midday sun.

The heat will be on when the ‘Paws for Thought’ dog display team give there displays and also when the Bliss Gate obedience team show what well trained dogs can do.

Hopefully the day will not be one in keeping with what a group of Siberian Huskies that are amongst the attractions are most associated with - bitter cold conditions.

People will have an opportunity to put their own animals to the test in a dog scurry.

The Ludlow Hunt Hounds will also be putting in an appearance and mingling with the crowds.

Experts from the charity ‘Canine Partners’ will be at the event to talk about how dogs can help to improve the lives of people with disabilities and give them more independence.

Children will have plenty to do with an activity area that will include an inflatable assault course, slides and face painting.

There will be a variety of trade stalls including animal photographers, dog food, accessories and gifts.

Ludlow’s business community has got involved with sponsorship from Nock Deighton, Shukers, Ludlow Brewing Company and the Teme Veterinary Practice.

Each or the sponsors will have their own ring and there is a programme of events throughout the day culminating in the choice of ‘best in show.’

Owners will be spoilt for choice when it comes to classes to enter: best rescue dog, best vintage dog (over seven years), scruffiest dog, fastest sausage eater, best junior handler (under 16 years), two most mismatched dogs, best conditioned dog, prettiest bitch, most handsome male, cutest puppy (six – 12 months), best cross breed, best six legs (dog and handler), the dog that the judges would most like to take home.

The event that is aimed at all the family is very different to the main fund raising event staged by the Rotary Club in 2013 which was a sleep out in the grounds of Ludlow College to raise funds for homeless charities and also awareness of the problems faced by people without a roof over their heads.

Ludlow Rotary Club Dog Day is on Sunday, July 20 at Stokesay Court just outside of the town. It is from 10am until 5pm.

There are a variety of ticket options: Adults £6 or £7 on the day; Children (four to 16) £4 or £7 on the day; Family two children and two adults £16 or £20 in the day. A ticket includes free parking and entry to the Stokesay Court Gardens.

Tickets can be purchased on line or at the gate.