Organisers of an annual dog show have welcomed their “biggest and best” event yet after thousands of visitors turned out to celebrate their furry friends while raising funds for a grass roots charity in Suffolk.

East Anglian Daily Times: Thousands of people flocked to Helmingham Hall for the Suffolk Dog Day. L-R Tshequa Williams, Georgia and Poppy Brittain.Thousands of people flocked to Helmingham Hall for the Suffolk Dog Day. L-R Tshequa Williams, Georgia and Poppy Brittain. (Image: Archant)

More than 7,000 people are thought to have attended the seventh annual Suffolk Dog Day at Helmingham Hall on Sunday, which is anticipated to raise almost £50,000 for the Suffolk Community Foundation.

Elizabeth Stephenson, marketing co-ordinator for the event, said it was a “fantastic day”.

“This is the seventh year and every year it just gets bigger and better,” she said. “It’s huge fun - it’s been the most wonderful day for everyone concerned.”

Fun classes such as “coolest dog”, “dog with the waggiest tail” and “scruffiest mutt” had around 2,000 entries - around double last year’s tally.

Dog owners were also invited to put their pooches through their paces in the Agility Ring or take them for a dance in the Doggytude music arena. Other attractions included the Doggylimpics, demonstrations, a catering village and more than 80 stalls selling everything from dog accessories to cheese.

Ms Stephenson said the event was an important fundraiser for the Suffolk Community Foundation and would support many grassroot charities helping local people.

“It’s a local charity helping local people - so it’s win, win,” she said.

Established in 2005, the charity has so far given away more than £9m in grants to help people across Suffolk.

All proceeds from Suffolk Dog Day will go towards the charity, which has so far benefitted by more than £285,000 from the events.