BARRY Island played host to more than 300 schnauzers for an annual celebration of the fun-loving breed at the dog-friendly seaside resort on Sunday, October 15.

The pack of 310 dogs and their owners gathered at Whitmore Bay, from across South Wales for Schnauzerfest 2017 with the aim of raising funds for two dog charities.

The event, in its fourth year in the Vale of Glamorgan, aims to raise thousands of pounds for two rescues, the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre (DBARC), in Berkshire and East Midlands Dog Rescue in Leicester.

All monies raised by Schnauzerfest 2017 go towards helping dogs, saved from terrible puppy farm/breeding backgrounds, get the veterinary care they need, so they can go on to have good lives.

The walkers and their dogs got together in the morning to have fun, meet fellow owners, and enjoy a walk along Barry Island’s coast as part of the national event which even had a walk in the Orkney Islands, Scotland.

Barry Island Schnauzerfest 2017 host, Nick Rutter, who was at the event with his five-year-old miniature schnauzer, Ernie, said: “It’s the fourth annual festival here at Barry Island and there are about 40 across the UK. It’s the biggest in the UK and we’re walking from here to Jacksons Bay and back. There are 310 here and it’s growing each year. It’s amazing and I think everyone enjoys it.”

Catherine Campbell, of Marshfield, was taking part in the event for the first time with 14-month-old Maggie.

She said: “Schnauzers are really nice dogs. They are funny, loyal, stubborn, and friendly and really good family dogs.

Sally Smith, of Sully, who was at the event with her 10-month-old pets, Pippa - a shih tzu-cross-toy poodle, and 10-month-old miniature schnauzer, George, said: “I saw the event on Facebook and I thought I’d come and support it. It’s such a lovely beach. We usually walk along Jackson’s Bay and Whitmore Bay in the winter as well as in Sully and Porthkerry Park.

Alison Williams, of Barry, was with Manni - and eight-year-old giant schnauzer weighing in at 52 kilograms.

She said: “He’s good natured and likes exercise. We walk miles every day around Barry. Everyone loves Manni. People always ask us about him.”

To donate visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser and search Schnauzerfest 2017.