THE organiser of a dog show for serious terrier and lurcher competitors, as well as a fun family one, is expecting a bumper attendance on the Brendon Hills this year, with hundreds of four and two-legged visitors coming from far and wide.

The WSH (West Somerset Hunt) Terrier, Lurcher and Family Dog Show is taking place on a field near Ralegh’s Cross Inn on Sunday May 31, with three separate rings, and judging starts at 1pm.

Michael Lane, who has organised the family dog show for the last 15 years, to raise money for the hunt (trail hunting) and Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance, is hoping for around 700 visitors, and said the terrier and lurcher class winners will qualify for major national championships.

“Some are the equivalent of the Badminton Horse Trials,” he said, and include the National Federation of Working Terriers, the North Wales Champion of Champions, Stonelands, and Coursing Crew.

“For people who want to qualify, this is a particularly good year,” said Michael, who has judged Jack Russells all over the world, including the national championship in Norway.

The biggest draw for the event though, he said, is the family dog show, with people bringing their pets from all around West Somerset.

“It is a real old country show, run by volunteers, with the farming community involved, local businesses providing prizes and trophies, a barbecue and bar, people bring food and cakes, there is a raffle, and it is very nice for the children,” he said.

The terrier and lurcher classes will each have 22 categories for entrants, and there will be 18 for the family dog show.

These range from dogs or bitches with the waggiest tails or most appealing eyes, to those most like their owners.

The event is in a field at TA23 OLN.