Dogs flocked to the South Hams over the weekend for the unique paw stomping and tail wagging festival, Woofstock.

For the second year running all the dog lovers in the area headed to Dartmouth for a day of doggy fun on Saturday, August 4. Many travelled from further afield across the whole country and as far as America and Oman.

Coronation Park was the centre of live music, dog shows, demonstrations and a full day of entertainment.

Spectators had the chance to enjoy a variety of demonstrations throughout the day including agility, the new sport of Hoopers and the popular Devon and Cornwall Police Dog Training School.

A special VIP guest attended this year, the Countess Bathurst, a devoted owner of five dogs, who opened the festival, judging some shows and presenting the awards.

The Devon and Somerset Fire Service also attended, which supported the show and carried out demonstrations with arson detection dogs.

Organisers Heather Nesbitt and Carol Bayley said the day was “absolutely amazing” with no hitches. They said everyone had such a “blast” and said a huge thank you to all the hard working volunteers and all who came.

Winners of the Inspirational Awards 2018 were Dawn Shepherd from Dartmouth Community Chest and Jenny Rogers from the Ash Rescue Centre.

Two other special prizes were awarded. The Bravery award for dogs was received by Jacob, owned by Jenny and the Service Dog Award went to Teazel from the Dogs Helping Kids Charity.

The volunteers on the gates said footfall was up by 20 per cent from last year with around 2000 people entering the festival.

A donation from Woofstock UK will be made to Animals Asia and local animal rescue centre, Animals in Distress.

One charity, Pawsome Pensions which helps to pay vet bills for Devon, Dorset and Cornwall’s retied police and fire dogs said it received such a wealth of donations it can now register as an official charity.

Heather and Carol said: “This is what Woofstock is all about-helping others achieve.”

Ammy’s Delights came over from the Netherlands for the fourth year running and provided all the doggy biscuits and winner’s baskets.

The overall winner of the show was a 19-year-old terrier who’s owner won a VIP weekend glamping ticket to the festival next year.

Organisers, Heather Nesbitt and Carol Bayley have already started planning for next year for an even bigger doggy festival. It will be held across a whole weekend at the Ash Rescue Centre.

People will be invited to camp or glamp in the VIP area from August 16 to 18.

Heather said: “We are very excited about Woofstock UK 2019 as it is our fifth anniversary.

“We are taking the dog by the lead and bringing the South West a fantastic weekend including dog shows, talks, competitions and live music on stage the evening of the 16 and 17 with some well known acts.”

In addition, on June 8, 2019, there will be a black tie event ahead of the doggy festival at the Britannia Royal Naval College where guests will be greeted with reception drinks, a four course meal and live entertainment.