A YEAR 7 pupil at The Commonweal School has faced his fear of dogs in a bid to see a community event in jeopardy go ahead.

When 11-year-old Kody Bowler found out the Old Town Festival dog show was under threat, as the sponsor had to pull out, he felt he had to do something about it.

With the help of his mum Janine he cooked up a storm at the school by selling canine-inspired biscuits and cupcakes with classmates Amber Cummings, 11, and Molly-May Alexander, 12.

Now, with the support from some generous donations from fellow pupils as well as town businesses he has presented charity SNDogs with a cheque for £475 that will see the show go ahead this summer.

But not before the pupil was forced to overcome his fear and come face to face with some of the dogs currently being cared for by the charity.

He only thought one dog would be there for the cheque presentation, but when three turned up he swallow hard and posed for the picture.

“It was a bit scary, but I made myself do it and even stroked one of the lurchers, my heart was pounding, but I’m glad I did it,” said Kody.

Festival chairman Josie Williams, who is seconded by the school to help run The Old Town Festival, said Kody was a fantastic ambassador for Commonweal School.

"The cheque for £475 means that the dog show can go ahead giving fun to many canine fanatics, but more importantly raising the profile of SNDogs who rehome hundreds of dogs every year," she said.

“The festival is run by a group of dedicated volunteers and the dog show, part of the Family Fun Day on The Lawn attracts over 20,000 people. The dog show is very popular and it was a bit of a blow when we heard the sponsor had to pull out.

"However, I was gob smacked when I heard Kody, a boy of 11 years old wanted to sponsor the show. That is so amazing. Thank you Kody you are a star!”

SNDogs also extended their thanks to the pupil following his encounter with the dogs.

Jessie Bascombe, of the rehoming charity, said: “SNDogs would like to say a massive thank you to Kody Bowler. We would also like to say a big thank you to his mum, Janine, who helped collect and deliver lots of the yummy cakes to the school.

"As a special thank you SNDogs would like to invite Kody to help SNDogs judge one of the dog show classes which takes place on Sunday, July 9.

The Old Town Festival runs from Saturday, July 8, through to Sunday, July 16.

Visit www.oldtownfestival.org and www.sndogs.uk for more details.