DOGS in the village of Brompton Ralph, near Wiveliscombe, are getting ready to be on their best behaviour and do their cleverest tricks, for the upcoming dog show – only the second one to be held there since Covid.

The dog show will be part of the annual village fete, which is taking place on Saturday June 6, at St Mary’s Church in the village, from 2pm to 5.30pm, with dog event judging starting at 2.30pm.

Organisers last year saw entries from many people in the village as well as Wiveliscombe and the surrounding 10 Parishes, and they are expecting even more this time.

The fete and dog show is Brompton Ralph’s biggest fundraiser, in aid of the village hall and church.

“For the dog show, the drive is to give everyone an opportunity to enter, and it will be fun and interactive,” said Emily Sumner, a member of the village hall committee. “Dogs come in all different shapes and sizes, so there is a category for everybody,”

Options are for dogs from puppies to veterans, with categories including best Child Handler and Quickest Sit, to new ones added this year for Best Trick and Best Six Legs.

In addition to the dog show, the fete itself will host all kinds of entertainment, including Wiveliscombe Community Choir, local bands, a Pimms Tent, fairground games, cream teas and more.

Another big draw will be a pop-up plant nursery, for which a village couple who are former nursery owners, have grown over 600 plants to sell.

“It’s all about preserving the village hall and church for the future and we have a very cross generational team working together, which is really special, consisting of newcomers to the village and long standing residents aged 30 -84!” said Emily.