Fun atmosphere at Deeping St Nicholas dog show

A family fun day and dog show created a ‘brilliant community atmosphere’ at Deeping St Nicholas Church.

The event saw 200 visitors gathering, with 17 stalls selling canine related goodies.

Some 48 dogs entered the classes, with Tyler Godfrey gaining first place as junior handler with dog Ted, and youngsters enjoyed the bouncy castle.

Organiser Maggie Ball, from Spalding, said: “It went fantastically and this year the stall holders were amazing.

“The whole community came out and there was a brilliant community atmosphere.

“There was one little lad, Alexander Crust, who is a seven-year-old entrepreneur selling dog popsicles – ice lollies for dogs.

“I bought some and my dogs liked them.

“His grandmother is Reverend Erica Crust, priest in charge at the church and he was there with his mum and dad and brother.”

The annual event will be repeated next year with stall holders who attended keen to return and help raise funds for the church.

Miss Ball, who is a lay reader at the church, said: “We are still in the counting stages but we have raised at least £700. We have a massive churchyard and have to get it cut at least five times a year so we have to do fundraising to cover the maintenance costs.”

A series of further fundraising events are arranged and next year’s will be followed by a church service for owners and their pets. A Christmas fair is in the pipeline and a service next month is planned with a special guest.

Miss Ball added: “On Sunday, September 17 the Bishop of Grantham will be coming down to take a thanksgiving service for the community.

“We are getting to be a vibrant community and it is brilliant.”