A HUGE number of hounds descended on Helmingham Hall for one of the biggest dates in the doggy calendar.

Suffolk Dog Day 2012 – the fifth year of the canine conference – saw a crowd of nearly 8,000 enjoy a whole host of attractions.

The Doglympics, Doggy’s Got Talent, grooming demonstrations and a spectacular show from the Essex Dog Display Team were just a few of the activities going on in the main ring and other performing areas throughout yesterday’s event, held in support of The Suffolk Foundation.

There was plenty more for the whole family to enjoy, with a wide array of stands as well as live music from bands including Doghouse – featuring special guest Rob Jarvis, from BBC drama Hustle.

Ex-Blue Peter star and Crufts presenter Peter Purves was manning the microphone and commentating on the main events while Suffolk Foundation chairman David Sheepshanks was on hand to help Mr Jarvis open the proceedings. Spokeswoman for the organisers, Stephanie Renouf, said the day had been a big success, despite the wet weather, and numbers were well up on last year.

She said: “It’s the first time we have ever had rain fall on Suffolk Dog Day, but people take their dogs out for walks in the rain so they don’t mind.”