PRIZE pooches went on parade to the delight of care home residents in Ferndown – while raising money for a good cause.

Amberwood House, run by Colten Care, staged a friendly summer competition as fun experiences for residents and families.

In Ferndown, more than a dozen dogs entertained around 50 people with their personalities, agility and costumes.

Staff and residents’ families were invited to bring their pets along to enter any or all of 10 categories, including ‘Best Dressed’ and ‘Best in Show’.

Resident and dog lover Inge Liell, one of the show judges, said: “It was absolutely wonderful, a great day.”

Amberwood House Companionship Team leader, Kirsty Richmond Cole, said: “This was such a happy, family-friendly occasion with laughter and smiles all round.

“Many of our residents love dogs and our fantastic competition showed just why. Dogs really help to bring joy and company to people.

Golden labrador Poppy and black lab Willow greet judges at the Amberwood House dog show, Elaine Farrar, Colten Care’s COO, and Steve Taylor, director of facilities

“Thirteen adorable doggies turned up with their owners to wow the judges. It was a ‘pawsitively amazing’ day.”

Inge was joined on the judging panel by fellow Amberwood House resident Irene Walton, Colten Care’s chief operating officer Elaine Farrer and Steve Taylor, director of facilities.

Amid much laughter, they watched an egg and spoon race in which owners had to run round a circuit without dropping their egg, keeping their dog on the lead as they went.

Judges declared a draw in the ‘Best Dressed’ category, the most popular class. Joint winners were ‘lion’ Roly, owned by a resident’s son, Hayden O’Neill, and ‘superhero’ Bertie, owned by the family of resident Pat Fisher.

Bertie went on to have a further triumph, being crowned ‘Best in Show’.

Bertie, owned by the family of Amberwood House resident Pat Fisher, was crowned Best in Show

As well as entry fees, funds were raised through the sale of dog bandanas and treat jars prepared by Amberwood House residents.

The event raised more than £120 for Ferndown Rotary, Amberwood House’s charity of the year.

Other Colten Care homes staging charity dog shows this summer include Wellington Grange in Chichester and Lymington home Belmore Lodge.

Elaine Sheppard, Colten Care’s head of customer support, navigates an egg and spoon race at Amberwood House with her black lab, Willow

Roly in lion costume with owner, Hayden O’Neill at Amberwood House