ORGANISERS of Bournemouth’s gay pride festival held their first ever dog show this bank holiday.

Three hundred people attended the Bourne Free Dog Show, which took place at The Triangle.

The inaugural show featured dog races and other canine competitions, such as Waggiest Tail, Most Like Owner, Best Puppy and Best Veteran. Judging the dogs were Lucinda Lashes, Flirt cafe and members of Bourne Free.

Clive Ashton, the charity’s chairman, said: “The turnout was amazing and raised over £500 for our charity. We would like to thank the Flirt cafe for so much help in their promotion and running of the event.”

Several dogs went home victorious following the event. The fastest running dog was Honey, who ran over 20 metres in 2.36 seconds. Winner of both the waggiest tail and dog who looks like its owner was Harley. Meanwhile, the accolade of Dog of the Year went to Eric.

Martyn Underhill, vice chairman, said: “We had the whole community brought together for the event, and local residents, local businesses, families and dog lovers joined us too.

“It was all about having fun, dressing yourself and your dog up and coming along and having a chuckle, as well as to raise funds for this year’s Bourne Free Festival running from July 10-12.”

Bourne Free started in 2004 when the community came together to march against an anti-gay organisation in Bournemouth. More than a decade on, Bourne Free is established as the town’s annual celebration of diversity and involves a weekend of entertainment at The Triangle, with a Saturday parade through town.