The two-day Paws in The Park event at the Kent Showground at the weekend was enjoyed by thousands of dog lovers.

But for one, the festival turned to tragedy.

Paul Squibb from Bearsted took his three boxers to the festival, Boris, Brodie and his oldest pet Tye.

Ten-year-old Tye, whom Mr Squibb has had since he was eight weeks old, was delighted.

Mr Squibb said: “I’ve taken Tye to the show every year since 2006, when it was still at the Hop Farm. He loves taking part and gets really excited.”

He entered Tye in the lure chase - where dogs chase after a dummy rabbit.

Tye crossed the finishing line, only to have a heart attack and die.

A heartbroken Mr Squibb said: “It was terrible. Boris and Brodie were licking him trying to get him to come round.”

A vet was called to Tye, but there was nothing that could be done.

Mr Squibb said: “He only had his annual health check in June, and he was fine then. He did a much longer run at the Maidstone Mela the weekend before with no problem.”