Handsome hunting dogs and scruffy little mongrels will all be queuing at the gates of Hever Castle when the historic estate holds its first ever dog show.

Paws at the Castle is a weekend dedicated to dog owners and dog lovers, with a fun packed programme of entertainment. It’s a great opportunity to watch the canine contestants demonstrate their skills, show off pets and meet fellow dog lovers.

There will be dancing dog demonstrations and lots of fun competitions, from dog with the cutest eyes, to dog with the waggiest tale.

There will be talks from experts about dog behaviour and lots of stalls and stands.

Among the activities are guide dog demonstrations with pups from the ages of five months to a year old.

And there will be an obstacle course, designed to test the dogs’ speed and intelligence as well as agility.

Paws at the Castle is on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4. It starts when the gardens open at 10.30am, the castle itself opens at noon.

Castle and garden admission is £15, seniors £12.75, children £8.50 and a family ticket, £38.50. Gardens only admission is £12.50, seniors £10.75, children £8 and a family ticket £33.

Hever is between Edenbridge and Tonbridge. For information call 01732 865224 or visitwww.hevercastle.co.uk