NOTHING could stop this highly-anticipated dog show from taking place at Lydiard Park this summer.

One of the biggest canine events in Swindon’s calendar was due to be held at the start of the month but the scorching weather saw organiser Eastcott Vets postpone it.

But yesterday – in cooler conditions – it went ahead.

Now in it’s fifth year, the annual Lydiard Bark Show saw visitors turn out in the hundreds.

The beloved pooches took part in contests, ranging from the waggiest tail to the dog the judges would most like to take home.

The grass around the judging area was a sea of picnics and pooches, with dogs of every size from the smallest Pomeranian puppy to the biggest Newfoundland coming along to enjoy the fun.

Organiser Rachel Gowshall said it was on track to be the best show put on to date.

“It was a brilliant day. It’s always a highlight to look forward to on the calendar.

“Hundreds of dogs come to this event every year and it I’m glad that this was no different this time round, considering the postponement.

“We’ve got new dogs competing each time and people travelling from further and further away,” said Rachel.

“And, of course, we always see familiar faces too.”

In addition to the fun show classes there was the Lydiard Bark Games Ring where the dogs took part in Recall Relays, Can you Catch?, Distraction Alley and Best Trick.

Each year the event raises money for a chosen charity.

This has seen thousands raised over the past four years of doing this, charities such as Oak & Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People have all benefited from this.

The chosen charity for 2018 is The Cinnamon Trust, which helps the elderly and terminally ill with looking after their pets.

They were on hand to distribute information about their work yesterday at the show.

Carl Merchant went to the show with his family including his greyhound Oscar.

He said: “It’s a fantastic event that has a lot of other activities available to do as well as the main attraction.

“It’s the perfect family event.”

This was also the first year where spectators had to pay a small fee to enjoy the event, which has previously been free to attend.

Legislation brought to the attention of Lydiard Park by Swindon Borough Council lead to the introduction of spectators having to pay 1p per person.