BARRY Island cemented its reputation as a dog-friendly seaside resort when it welcomed more than 100 schnauzers on Sunday, October 16.

The pack and their owners gathered from across South Wales for Schnauzerfest 2016 with the aim of raising funds for two dog charities.

The annual event, in its third year in the Vale of Glamorgan, aims to raise thousands of pounds for two rescue charities, the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre, in Berkshire and East Midlands Dog Rescue in Leicester.

The walkers and their dogs gathered to have fun, meet fellow owners, and enjoy a walk along Barry Island’s coast as part of a national event.

Schnauzerfest 2016 host Nick Rutter said: “Schnauzerfest has been going for five years. Across the UK there are about 30 walks.

"There are more than 100 schnauzers here. It’s the biggest in the UK.

"The aim is to have fun and raise funds with a walk along the beach.”

Rhys Price, 28, of Cadoxton, Barry, joined fellow owners with his two-year-old miniature schnauzer, Bailey.

He said: “Schnauzers are loyal, they make you feel happy. You can’t arrive home and feel miserable.”

Emily Payne, 27, made a special journey from Varteg near Blaenavon, to attend the event with two-year-old miniature schnauzer Ozzy.

Miss Payne said: “It’s my first time here. I’ve come here to meet other people with schnauzers, where we live there’s no schnauzers.

"They are very friendly and they love people.”

To donate visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=schnauzerfest2016&faId=677657&isTeam=true

or http://www.everyclick.com/susiebellesschnauzerfest2016