A RECORD number of people turned out for a Ringwood dog charity’s annual show.

The Strays of Greece Family Fun Dog Show drew thousands of people and their pets to take part in numerous classes.

The burger stand had to send out for supplies twice as milk, meat and cakes ran out, and the event raised nearly £5,000, which will go towards food and neutering animals in Greece.

Lots of rescue dogs were at the show, not only from Greece but from other charities, with people coming from all over the country to Mannington to be there.

The show opened with a grand parade of about 100 rescued Greek dogs, all proudly wearing their green rosettes, including Nemo, who was near death when rescued in Aegina.

And a new Happy Ending trophy, donated by Dignity Pet Crematorium, was presented to Ollie, a three-legged Greek dog rescued three years ago.

The Solent Dog Display Team performed for a third year, waiving their fee for Strays of Greece.

All the classes attracted so much competition judges said it was “nearly impossible” to choose winners.

The Doggie Dash was also hugely popular and was won by a cocker spaniel with a whippet a close second.

Lyn Purden, who founded the Ashley Heath-based charity, said: “We had a fantastic day – the best ever – and it was wonderful to see former stray dogs rescued from Greece, Ireland, Wales and even Korea enjoying new lives in the country.

“We are so grateful to the hundreds of people who came and supported our work – at one time there were 400 cars in the car park.

“We raised a record sum of £4,588, which is a big boost as our funds have been drained over the winter period when we purchased food and medical supplies for numerous shelters all over Greece as they had no resources of their own.

“One shelter had previously only been feeding the dogs every three days. Last month a volunteer vet went out and neutered 70 animals.”

She added: “We support three key shelters in Aegina, Athens and Thassos on an ongoing basis, and 15 other locations with either food or veterinary expenses.

“I have just sent out a consignment of flea treatments, vital in the hot climates, so this is why we are so grateful for support.”