DOZENS of dogs of all shapes and sizes are gearing up for Suffolk's first ever Dog Day this weekend.

DOZENS of dogs of all shapes and sizes are gearing up for Suffolk's first ever Dog Day this weekend.

All pet owners are encouraged to bring along their pooches to the charity event at Helmingham Hall as they will have the chance to pick up prizes in a number of categories and enjoy a wide range of activities.

Celebrity judges will be sniffing out the waggiest winners, from the 'Perkiest Pup' to the 'Must Have Mutt', however there is no such thing as a bad dog as all entrants will leave with a doggy bag.

There will also be demonstrations from The Leonberger Club of Great Britain Water Rescue and Suffolk Constabulary Police dogs, and plenty of stalls and refreshments.

All the proceeds will go to The Suffolk Foundation, which seeks to improve the lives of people in the county.

Shauna Lowry, former BBC One Man and His Dog and Animal Hospital presenter, who is moving to the area, is expected to open the event on Saturday, at Helmingham Hall, which is owned by Lord and Lady Tollemache.

Gates open at 11am when the dog class registration begins and the official opening is at 12.30pm.

Tickets cost £4.50 for adults (£5 on the day) and £2.50 for children (£3 on the day). Entry into Helmingham Gardens is included in the price.

To find out more, or to book tickets, visit www.suffolkdogday.com or call 01473 734125.

Have you got a good story to tell about your dog? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk