ANIMAL lovers and their furry friends enjoyed a special event in the plush grounds of Highcliffe Castle on Sunday.

PetFest 2018 included a host of trade stands, a petting zoo, numerous dog competitions, refreshments and educational seminars .

Owners were able to find out information on how to keep their dogs healthy, there was even a doggy disco.

Highcliffe Castle events manager Stephen Noble said: “It is the third year of PetFest, we started it with a view to bringing in new audiences to the castle.

“All the staff here love animals as well. so it seemed a natural thing to do.

“We’ve had a multitude of things going on today.”

One of the biggest hits of the afternoon was the doggy disco.

See Tuesday's Daily Echo for more pictures and a full report