Thousands of dogs and their owners descended on the East of England Showground, in Alwalton, near Peterborough, as they battled it out for the highly coveted Best in Show award.

The Championship Dog Show is in its 50th year and will see more than 10,000 dogs, 130 individual breeds, trained by top breeders from the length and breadth of the country and beyond at the show.

Marketing manager Vikki Guy said: "It has been a really good first day. The weather certainly helped the turnout, but fortunately owners and their pets were able to take advantage of the exhibition centre, which is fully air conditioned.

"All in all it was a great day and we are looking forward to two more really good days."

Today will see gun dogs and utilities competing along with the Festival of Hunting, one of the greatest gathering of hounds in the country, with more than 1,500 from 100 different packs represented.

Tomorrow (July 17), the working and pastoral dogs will be strutting their stuff around the show ring in front of some top European judges.

The event is particularly important for some dog owners, as winners in each class qualify automatically for Crufts, which will next be held at the National Exhibition Centre, in Birmingham, in March next year.

The event is also a great opportunity to pamper your pooches and enjoy some retail therapy with more than 50 specialist trade stands selling everything to make your dog's day.

Tickets cost £4 for adults, £3 for OAPs and £2 for children. Car parking is free.

For more information, call 01733 234451, or visit www.eastofengland.org.uk