Pampered pooches look their best for Brighton Pride Dog Show

Owners turned out in force yesterday for the popular annual event

And their pooches looked a million dollars as they competed for a string of titles.

Dogs of all sizes and breeds were put through their paces for categories including the most handsome, prettiest, best rescue dog, best fancy dress and waggiest tail.

The show went ahead in Preston Park, Brighton, and despite the bleak weather, owners and dogs put on a colourful spectacle.

The event was originally scheduled for July but was cancelled due to bad weather.

Brighton couple Chris and Christina Margerison were there with Augustus “the Greatest Dane”.

They were delighted when he won the most handsome dog in the over five years old category – and scooped the best fancy dress prize.

He looked fetching as a cow while Christina dressed up as a milkmai.

Chris said: “We’ve had Augustus since he was ten weeks old and he is a harlequin Great Dane. He weighs 78kg, which is more than a lot of people – he eats a lot.

“He is absolutely gorgeous and he is a gentle giant.”

David Gregg, from Brighton, was there with his black schnauzer Carmen.

He said: “Carmen is two and a half years old and has been a show dog for two years.

“I’ve had her since she was six months old and she is very intelligent and active. She is a guard dog breed. I am a dog breeder myself and have bred Schnauzers for 20 years.

“Carmen has a fantastic personality and she is very friendly. We love coming to the show and are having a good time.”

Chris Jepson, who organised the event, said it was a big success.

He said: “It was a really good day.

“We were really worried about the weather but it turned out all right.

“Everyone had a fantastic time. All the dogs were really friendly and there was no trouble at all.

“Pooches of all sizes came along and it was just a fun day for everybody.

“It was a pity that we had to cancel in July.

“The weather then was really bad so there was no point in holding the event.”