A BATTLE of the pooches saw a record number of spectators turn up to enjoy Dumfries House’s annual Fun Dog Show.

The family-friendly event, from which proceeds were donated to Saints Sled Dog Rescue in Glasgow, saw local dogs and their owners take part in a series of lighthearted show categories including Cutest Dog, Worst Hair Day, Waggiest Tail and Best Sausage Catcher.

More than £200 was raised to help Saints Sled Dog Rescue rehome unwanted and stray Siberian Huskies and Alaska Malamutes.

Dumfries House’s Louise McClounie, who organised the event, said: “This is the fourth year we’ve held a dog show and we always strive to make it as fun as possible for the dogs, their owners and all those who come along to watch.

"This year, we decided to donate proceeds from the event to Saints Sled Dog Rescue in Glasgow and were delighted to have more competitors and spectators than ever before.”

Nero, an 18-month-old Newfoundland, was named Best In Show after impressing the judges and, for his efforts, took home a 20kg bag of Pro-giant dog food from Husse and the chance to have his portrait drawn by Ayr artist John Fisher.

The portrait will be presented to Nero and his owners Gillian, Steven and Neive Bodys at Dumfries House next month.

Gillian said: “We were over the moon when Nero was announced as Best in Show as this is the first dog show we’ve ever entered him into.

"We live locally and visit the estate to walk Nero every day so it was great to have him take part in this year’s show.

"It was a fantastic event and everyone there had an absolute ball.

"We’re really lucky that Dumfries House puts on events like this for the local community as they’re great fun.”

Earlier this year, The Prince's Foundation was formed and is now headquartered at Dumfries House.

The house was saved for the nation in 2007 by The Prince of Wales, who used £20million of his charitable foundation’s money to secure the future of the house and estate.

It is now used to help people engage in learning experiences that promote confidence and personal development as well as offer training in real-life skills to open up future employment opportunities.

The Prince’s Foundation is now the second-largest employer in East Ayrshire with more than 200 full-time and part-time staff across the house, estate and education and training programmes.