FORGET the catwalk - perfect pooches and handsome hounds took to the dogwalk for a spectacular fundraising show.

The event took place on Mersea Island to raise money for Benidorm Dog Homing and search, rescue and reunite group Scruffy's Angels.

The Team Foxash dog shows have been running since September 2012 and raised £42,000.

This year's event took place at Waldegraves Holiday Park and raised just under £1,500.

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Paws and reflect - Amelia Brett with her black and white spaniel, Beau

Joint-organiser Louise Jacobs said: "Due to Covid, we had to restrict the number of entries in each class.

"However, the show still attracted approximately 200 people each day and we had visitors from Norfolk, Nottingham, West Sussex and London, as well as those local to Colchester.

"There were 20 classes, including cutest puppy, waggiest tail, best mover, most handsome, prettiest and even a special class for Father's Day.

"It was 'dad and dog the judge wants to take home' and was judged by my sister and team member Sharon Evans."

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Proud owners - Andrew and Sarah Hobday with Jack Russell Luna and rescue lurcher Cleo

Miss Jacobs said the charities benefitting from the show do an amazing job and deserve support.

Benidorm Dog Homing take in several stray cats and dogs every day.

"It's puppy season in Spain and the rescue home is having puppies dumped non-stop, most of the time tied in plastic bags and put in communal bins still alive," she said.

"Thankfully, 90 per cent of them survive, are successfully rehomed and loved all over Europe and the UK.

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Splashing time - Slinky, the wire-haired dachshund, won the naughtiest dog of the day rosette. Described as a real character, he would not let any other dog in the pool

"I normally go out there every September and take them money I raise throughout the year. I also go to the shelter to help out with grooming and walking the dogs."

Scruffy's Angels is a search, rescue and reunite group of volunteers, based in Romford and Dagenham.

They go out in all weather and all hours, trapping stray cats, dogs and even rabbits and chickens.

The majority of the animals are successfully reunited with owners.

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Big smiles - Hannah Martin and her working cocker spaniel, Lady

However, sometimes no owners are found.

This is where they rely on funds as most of the animals they find need urgent and expensive vet treatment.

The next Team Foxash show is taking place at Waldegraves Holiday Park on September 11 and 12.

For more information, join the Foxash Fun Dog Show Facebook page.

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Special story - Juno came from Benidorm Dog Homing, having been found on the streets of Altea in 2019. Louise Jacobs shared Juno’s details on Facebook and Emma O’Brien, from Clacton, fell in love with her. Soon after, Juno was adopted and travelled from Spain to north Essex

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At the helm - Louise Jacobs with Tony Westaway and Louise’s mum, Patricia Jacobs. The trio are pictured with Louise’s two dogs, Whizer and Teddy Bear

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Inseparable - Luna Collins and her two dogs

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Soulmates - Rachel Snow, from Witham, and German Shepherd Max

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Obeying orders - Liz Smith with Tango

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Keeping it in the family - three generations of smooth-haired Collies. In the picture are mum, daughter and granddaughter Venus, Pepper and Piper, owned by Marianne Benton

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