THOUSANDS of people attended this year's Buckham Fair and were joined by more dogs than ever before.

The annual event is organised by actor Martin Clunes and his wife, Philippa.

See a picture gallery of the event here

The fair takes place on land owned by the couple near Beaminster. It regularly features a pony show and dog show, with owners getting the chance to enter their animals in a number of classes.

The's fair also included police dog displays, heavy horse displays, vintage cars and scooters.

The chosen charity this year is the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Mr Clunes, known for his starring roles in TV shows Men Behaving Badly and Doc Martin, said the event had gone really well.

He said: “I think we've done well with the weather because people haven't gone to the beach.

“They seem to have come here with the dogs.

“I don't know what the tally of dogs is but I think it's more than ever before.”

Classes in both the pony show and dog show have grown year on year.

Maisie, a five-year-old pug cross, was one of the prize-winners in the dog show, winning 'Bitch of the Day'.

Her owner, Emma Salter, travelled from Minehead, Somerset, to compete.

She said: “I was really chuffed and quite emotional.”

Mrs Salter has owned Maisie for a year, after rescuing him from a shelter. Mr Clunes presented the pair with a rosette and a cup.

She said: “I saw him (Martin) on breakfast television and he said if a three-legged dog entered the competition, he'd give them a cup.

“I said to him that he kept his word.”

The fair's chosen charity this year was Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Last year the fair raised more than £66,000 for Weldmar Hospice.

Jenny Lovegrove, from Trent, Somerset, came along with Norwich Terriers Crumpet and Muffin.

Crumpet, eight, was entered into the fancy dress category as the grandma from Little Red Riding Hood.

Jenny said: “I'm here in honour of their old owner. It's a tribute to her because she made the costume.

“She loved her Norwich Terriers and I've inherited them now.”

The dogs' former owner, Margaret Hohler, sadly passed away last year after battling cancer. She was supported by Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Jenny added: “We have always tried to support Weldmar.”