TAILS were wagging at a Dorset animal charity’s first ever country fayre.

Four-legged athletes entered the 'Dog Olympics' ring to compete in various games as part of the event organised by Margaret Green Animal Rescue on Sunday.

The canine competitors vied for a range of titles from 'speediest return' to 'waggiest tail'.

They also took part in a three-legged race, a Dorset Knob and spoon race, an eat the biscuit relay, and a ‘top dog’ talent competition.

Dogs with a flair for dancing also performed with members of the Purbeck Agility Dog Dancing Club.

Meanwhile, there was plenty of entertainment for human visitors including lumberjack displays from The Adams Axemen, sheep shearing demonstrations, baking workshops, vintage engines, tug-of-war, a craft corner, and a range of stalls.

Blues band Minty Trevina also entertained the crowds.

The fayre, held at the charity’s Church Knowle site near Wareham, was originally planned for the beginning of July, but wet weather meant the event had to be postponed.

Lucy Compton, fundraising and marketing manager for Margaret Green, said around a thousand people attended the event.

“It’s been really, really good. This is our first every country fayre so we wanted to do something a bit different.

“There were lots of happy faces and tails wagging and everyone seemed to have a good time.

“We’re really hopeful the event has raised lots of money for the charity as everyone was so generous with their donations. Our caterers, The Mole Hut, donated all their profits to us too.

“The highlight for us was seeing people have a good time in aid of a good cause.”

Lucy thanked the 50 “amazing” volunteers who helped out at the event and said the charity would “absolutely love” to hold another country fayre next year.