NEWPORT’S Coronation Park was taken over by more than 100 canines today as Hope Rescue held its annual dog show.

Stalls and refreshments were available to the crowds of dog owners and volunteers who ventured out into the summer heat wave.

Ray Bullock, a volunteer at Hope Rescue and a member of the fundraising team, said: “Days like these are vital for us to continue to do our work, and to cover expensive bills. We’ll raise around £1,000 today, maybe more.

“We got 600 dogs saved from euthanasia last year, but we need more money to keep us going.

“We move the dogs all around the country and we are committed to working closely and co-ordinating with other rescue services and rescue centres, because we don’t have our own.

“We do some good work. But unfortunately, there are always more dogs than there are kennel spaces available,” he added.

Members of the Newport Sled Dogz and South Wales Sibes and Malls were also in attendance to try and raise awareness about the breeds.

Lee Page, a volunteer from the group, said: “Siberians are escape artists. What we do is try to educate and teach owners how to treat these dogs properly. Days like these are really important.”

Catherine Mayers, of Pontypool, whose dog Bella won in the prettiest bitch category, said: “It’s a bit of fun, really. But it’s great to come out here and show our support to a really great cause.”