A FILM festival featuring a cinematic celebration of dogs and their people is touring the UK for the first time this autumn.

The Top Dog Film Festival which visits Lighthouse Poole on Thursday October 3, stars the scruffiest street dogs to the most pampered pooches.

“Humans and dogs share a precious, heart-warming bond, and this brand-new collection of films celebrates the canine companions that enrich our lives,” says tour director Nell Teasdale. “Whether you’re a dog owner or just like dogs, these films are guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and fall in love with man’s best friend all over again.”

Film highlights include:

* Arthur: During a gruelling adventure race in Ecuador, Team Peak Performance from Sweden were closing in on the race’s leaders, when a surprise addition to the team changed their course. The athletes were approached by a then un-named stray dog, severely injured with a large wound on its back. This chance encounter led to a 10,000km journey for one dog to join a team and find a home.

* The Dogist: After unexpectedly losing his corporate job, Elias Weiss Friedman, aka @thedogist, hit the streets of New York City with a camera and a squeaky tennis ball. Since then he’s photographed and captured the personalities of 30,000 dogs all around the world, racking up 3.2 million followers on Instagram along the way. He can also imitate three different barking noises with frightening accuracy!

READER OFFER: We have two pairs of tickets to give away. Just email your name and daytime contact number to digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk with Top Dog in the header by Friday, September 20. Usual rules apply.

For more information and to book tickets, seetopdogfilmfestival.co.uk.