Thousands of dog lovers and their canine companions flocked to Essex Dog Day on Sunday.

East Anglian Daily Times: It doesn't get much cuter than this. Picture: GABBIE HAMMONDIt doesn't get much cuter than this. Picture: GABBIE HAMMOND (Image: Archant)

The day, held at in the grounds of The Crix in Hatfield Peverel, was packed with attractions ranging from all-day shows to competitions.

Ian Twinley, owner of Crix and chairman of the organising committee, said: “Everyone had fun in the sun; it was a barking good day. And the best thing is that every year we break all records with even more money going to deserving Essex charities through The Essex Community Foundation.”

The new Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Jenny Tolhurst, judged the Best in Show category and picked the winner as a retired greyhound, Jet.

East Anglian Daily Times: One girl dressed herself and her dogs up as Beauty and the beast. Picture: ADRIAN BIGGSOne girl dressed herself and her dogs up as Beauty and the beast. Picture: ADRIAN BIGGS (Image: Archant)

Delighted owner Pia Van Praagh said: “She may have retired but she’s as busy as ever as a therapy dog, bringing comfort to people of all ages with mental health problems in schools and care homes.”

East Anglian Daily Times: A group enjoying themselves at the Essex dog day. Picture: ADRIAN BIGGSA group enjoying themselves at the Essex dog day. Picture: ADRIAN BIGGS (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Essex dog day saw thousands attend. Picture: ADRIAN BIGGSEssex dog day saw thousands attend. Picture: ADRIAN BIGGS (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Pirlo enjoying the Essex Dog Show. Picture: PRINCE KNOX ALOZIEPirlo enjoying the Essex Dog Show. Picture: PRINCE KNOX ALOZIE (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Pirlo with his owner Prince. Picture: PRINCE KNOX ALOZIEPirlo with his owner Prince. Picture: PRINCE KNOX ALOZIE (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Sniffing out the competion. Picture: PRINCE KNOX ALOZIESniffing out the competion. Picture: PRINCE KNOX ALOZIE (Image: Archant)