Who let the dogs out?

23-AUG-10

Issued by: Graeme Cook

North Tyneside families will be fetching their favourite pets to one of the borough's most popular green spaces next weekend.

The fourth annual Summer Dog Oscars (ASDOs) will take place on Saturday 28 August at Richardson Dees Park, Wallsend.

Friends of Wallsend Park, supported by North Tyneside Council, are hosting the family fun event, which will start at 11am and finish at 3pm.

North Tyneside's elected mayor will be attending the show at around 2.30pm.

The event, which attracted hundreds of visitors and nearly 100 dogs last year, will include stalls, refreshments and a bouncy castle.

Cllr Glynis Barrie, cabinet member for Community Services, said: "Now in its fourth year, the Dog Oscars is one of the borough's most popular events.

"I would encourage anyone to come along, whether they are entering their dog or just joining in with the fun. It's set to be a fantastic day."

The competition has seven categories, including 'dog most resembling their owner', 'handsomest hound', 'waggiest tail', 'new kid on the block', 'veteran canine' and 'mixed mutts'.

Each winner will receive a certificate and rosette, with a special trophy going to the winner of 'the dog judges would most like to take home'.

There will be a competition entry cost of £1.50 per dog, with the contest commencing at 1pm on the bowling green close to the play site.

Dogs can be entered in as many categories as their owner wishes, except for any gender and age restrictions.

'Mixed mutts' is the only category that can be booked on the day, with entrants required to register at least 20 minutes before the show at the check-in desk located next to the tennis courts.

Owners must complete an application for all other categories, which can be obtained at the Wallsend Park Lodge or by visiting: www.northtyneside.gov.uk, with forms being accepted up until Friday 27 August.

Places are limited and are allocated on a first-come first-served basis, with all funds raised going towards North Tyneside Parks.

Maximus the Centurion from the Segedunum Roman Fort will also be attending between 11.30am and 12.30pm.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

Latest council figures have revealed Richardson Dees Park attracts over 2,000 visitors everyday, which have been tallied by a new electronic counter at the entrance of the green space.

This follows the news of the Wallsend Parks regeneration project - worth over £7million - receiving a £2.45million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), in addition to the £2.85million set-aside by North Tyneside Council.

Funding for the Wallsend Parks scheme, which forms a key part of the council's regeneration of Wallsend town centre.

Timelines for the proposed works, which are due to get underway before Spring next year, will be kept up-to-date on the park's notice board and council website: www.northtyneside.gov.uk