LUDLOW goes to the dogs on Sunday (July 19).

The event organised by Ludlow Rotary Club takes place at Stokesay Court.

It will be opened by television presenter Jules Hudson and it is hoped that given good weather the day will better the £16,000 raised for good causes in 2014.

This will be the second year that the club has organised the event and there are hopes that the amount raised this year will top the £16,000 achieved in 2014.

“Everything is now in place for what we plan to be a really enjoyable day for all who own or love dogs,” said Barry Forrester, who has chaired the organising group.

For those attending with their dogs there will be some fun competitions such as scruffiest mutt, fastest sausage eater, waggiest tail, and best trick.

While for those who enjoy watching trained dogs in action the event has a full programme of displays including flyball, dog obedience and assistance dogs.

“There will also be opportunities for owners of gun dogs to show their dog’s ability to retrieve – or not,” said Mr Forrester.

Although the event is billed as a fun day for all the family, it has a serious purpose as all the money raised will again go to support important charity work.

The beneficiaries this year are The Ludlow Hospital League of Friends, Canine Partners, and St Michael’s Hospice near Hereford that has been providing support for people with life-limiting illnesses for 30 years.

Canine Partners assist people with disabilities to enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life through the provision of specially trained dogs for the disabled, whose well-being is a key consideration.

Their dogs are trained to assist with a range of practical tasks.

The event this year is sponsored by Shukers , Teme Vets , Nock Deighton and Hobsons Brewery.

Last month Hobsons, launched a competition to find a face for their special brew called ''Hair of the Dog''.

Hobsons had an overwhelming level of entries with more than 140 photos. The entries got whittled down to three dogs and a final winner was selected - "Lazarus" a two-year-old German pointer crossed German Shepherd.

"We've had an amazing response to the competition, the owners have also been very imaginative with their photos, one of our drivers even got stopped in Ludlow so the owner could photograph their dog on our beer wagon,” said Kate Pearce of Hobsons Brewery.

Owner Lillie Abbot from Tipton said: "I was ecstatic to hear Lazarus had won the competition I've never entered him in anything like this before."

The 'Hair of the Dog Beer' will be on sale from the Hobsons Bar at the Ludlow Dog Day.

Gates will open at 10am and the entry fee will include a free programme of events and a site plan.

Visit www.ludlowdogday.co.uk for further information about the day and pre-booking of tickets.