SUFFOLK: Take a walkies around Helmingham Hall, near Stowmarket, this Sunday for the third Suffolk Dog Day.

TAKE a walkies around Helmingham Hall, near Stowmarket, this Sunday for the third Suffolk Dog Day.

This event is not to be sniffed at with more than 8,000 people expected to turn out. Hundreds having already pre-registered their dogs in one or more of the 17-plus classes for pedigrees, crossbreeds and puppies.

It will be opened by the Silver Blue Twirlers majorette troupe, aged four to 24, from Felixstowe and Woodbridge, who will be wearing the new costumes funded by the grant they received from money raised last year.

Grand Ring attractions include sheepdogs rounding up ducks and geese, birds of prey, the Easton Hunt and its hounds, Morris Dancers and On the Scent Agility, where visitors can test their dog’s agility over the jumps and obstacles.

There will be more than 70 side stalls, stands and tents boasting refreshments, food, art from the area’s primary school pupils, face-painting, giant slide, fun dog scurries, celebrity commentators and much more.

Organisers hope to raise more than �30,000 for The Suffolk Foundation. Now in its fifth year, the registered charity is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in the county and has already awarded grants totalling more than �2million.

“Your presence at this event can really make a difference to the lives of many people throughout the county,” said Dog Day chairwoman Jacqui Mayne.

“We’re just as excited as ever about this year’s dog day. With many new entertainments and lots of potential for dog owners to have fun and win some fantastic prizes you need to get here early, register and then enjoy the fun of all the day has to offer – whether you have four legs or two!”

The day starts at 11.30am, but gates open at 10.30am.