FRIENDS of Liphook Junior School’s annual dog show and duck race raised more than £1,100, on Saturday.

Dogs and their owners competed at Radford Park, many in a number of different classes, from the just-for-fun “happiest/waggiest” and “lookalike” to the trickier agility and obedience categories.

Liphook-based dog trainer and behaviour specialist Kiri Downes, of Paws in the Pink, judged the competition. She was particularly impressed with the handling skills of many of the children, working closely with their dogs.

The categories were best sit, best recall, best trick, happiest/waggiest, dog/ handler lookalike, and agility course.

The overall winner of “Best in Show” trophy was won by Lewis with his dog Arnie. The first three in each category won a rosette, a dog bandana and the first four received a certificate. Overall Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show all received rosettes, certificates and a voucher.

Generous support, prizes and sponsorship for the event was received from several Liphook businesses, including Small World Vet Centre, FC Hiscock, the Liphook branch of Southern Co-operative and Countrywide Stores.

Meanwhile, 300 ducks raced in heats down the River Wey before crossing the finishing line under the bridge.  

The duck race final saw the first, second and third ducks from each of eight heats compete. All winners were children with the £25 first prize going to Amber, £15 second prize to Austin and £10 third prize to Adam. All three are pupils at Liphook Infant School.

The fun family day out transformed Radford Park with colourful bunting and an array of gazebos.

The smell of barbecued fresh butcher’s sausages and burgers from Kaighin and Daughter, in Grayshott, mingled with the sweet scent of delicious donated cakes for sale, organised by Hannah Tress.