DOG lovers were in for a treat with the first edition of a festival celebrating man's best friend.

Barrow Pooch Fest took place on Saturday at Barrow Outdoor Market.

Barrow Business Improvement District partnered with Paulyn Hyde from Scruffy2Fluffy and Maria Murray of Murray's Dog Hotel to bring Pooch Fest to the town.

Despite the hot weather, organisers applied multiple safety measures including drinking water, additional gazebos for shade, on-site veterinary support and spray in between all classes.

Shows happened throughout the day with categories to suit every dog including scruffiest, fluffiest, waggiest tail, best sausage catcher and best fancy dress.

One of the participants Maggie Clark was 'very happy' as her dog won the best class of large crossbreed.

She said: "It has been a good day out for locals to get together. It is good for local businesses especially if you don't know about the local shops.

"When Barrow BID put these events together it's good for the town to get everyone into the town centre."

Both Teresa Salt's dogs won the Brace category.

"I'm very proud," she said.

"It’s nice to see so many people out and about especially with this sunny weather."

Paul Hodgson, chairman of Barrow BID, said: "It is important to bring more people into the town centre and especially with dog ownership being a lot higher than it has been especially over Covid a lot more people have dogs.

"It is great to see more people visiting the town centre especially on a regular basis."

Paulyn Hyde from Scruffy2Fluff said: "The day has been a success.

"We have had loads of different breeds, different people, it has been very interactive and family-friendly.

"We have got plenty of shade, we have watered the ring between each class and everyone is walking into the market and using the shops that are dog friendly.

"We have got a vet and lots of animal first aiders and it is going really well.

"We were expecting it to be busier but the weather is warm.

"We will be running it again next year."