PLAYFUL pugs will don festive jumpers, sparkling Santa suits and reindeer outfits next month to celebrate the continued success of a unique town group.

The Pug Community Swindon/Wiltshire group will host its second annual Christmas party on December 17, complete with doggy treats, Santa Paws, raffle, and costume competition.

At least 40 pugs are expected to attend the Christmas extravaganza, which has been organised by award winning pug breeder Lynne Kellow. The party is a double celebration as the group has seen a meteoric rise in success since its launch last year with more than 250 pug enthusiasts joining.

A group of pugs, known as a grumble, meets on the first Sunday of every month at Lydiard Park with pugs donning their Sunday best and fancy dress.

Jonathan Newman, 36, from Shaw set up the exclusive group in January 2015 in a bid to find like-minded pug enthusiasts along with a few playmates for his own playful pug, three-year-old Taz.

“I’m really looking forward to the party because it’s a chance to all be together and learn more about pugs which we all love to do.”

“They’re just astounding dogs, they haven’t got an ounce of aggression in them, they’re very sociable and love being together. They’re the best dogs anyone could own,” he said.

And Jonathan, no doubt, will be hoping to make it a second year of success after Taz scooped the best costume prize for his reindeer outfit

The day will also serve up a host of tasty treats for human and pooches alike with a pug-friendly sausage and biscuit buffet.

Jonathan’s pug odyssey began in 2013 when he and wife Charlotte fulfilled a long held ambition when they welcomed first born ‘son’ Taz.

The loveable fawn pug, named after the Tasmanian devil quickly become a part of the family and has formed a strong bond with the couple’s 22-month-old daughter Olivia.

Jonathan said he was delighted with the group’s continued success.

“I didn’t expect the response we would get to the group, it’s really taken off and every day we seem to have a new member request. People are getting pugs because of the advice given to them in a group and it’s great to see,” he said.

“The pug walks have been really successful, each time we see new owners and their pugs come along.

All proceeds from the Christmas party goes to charity Pug Dog Welfare and Rescue Association UK which helps with the welfare, rescue and rehoming of pugs.

If you are a pug owner and want to join the group search Pug Community Swindon/Wiltshire on Facebook or to donate visit pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk