Dog-lovers and their canine companions enjoyed a day out that some might say was barking mad.

Hundreds of people and more than 200 dogs lapped up the atmosphere, treats, games and activities on offer at the first Dogs Day Out at Oak Tree Animals’ Charity, near Wetheral, on Saturday.

It was the perfect treat and a huge salute for man’s best friend.

General manager Caroline Johnson said: “It’s to celebrate everything dogs in the world, because there is a lot to celebrate about dogs.”

With everything from a Wagg-o-meter, a competition for the fastest wagging tail; dog agility and IQ tests; and games including musical sits and rover retrieve, there was plenty to keep people’s pets occupied.

Paragon Vets led a first aid demonstration and Penrith Mountain Rescue Team held a session on how to train your dog to be a search dog.

It was also a chance for owners to showcase their dog’s training and talents.

And with 40 per cent of the charity’s intake calls related to training and behaviour issues in 2017, Caroline explained that offering on-going support and advice in a bid to keep pets with their owners is a key part of the charity’s work.

But it doesn’t always work out, and the charity works hard to rehabilitate dogs, cats, and horses to help find them forever homes.

The Roberts family of Warwick Bridge took in their seven-year-old Jack Russell Amber in September.

“We were ready to welcome a new addition and when we came here the staff were really good,” said Nicola Roberts.

“They made sure they matched a dog to us and our needs. We came looking for a young puppy but she came in and we clicked right away. She just slotted really easily into the family. She had never been walked and was neglected but she has been really good for us as a family and brought us lots of joy.”

Her nine-year-old son Charlie added: “It was love at first sight. We came into see her and she walked up to us and rolled over for us to tickle her belly.”

Rachel Webster, 48, of Houghton, went along with her one-year-old Collie-cross Jabba, who she adopted from the refuge in January.

“It’s just a nice local charity to support,” she said. “It’s lovely.

“They all recognised him and have made a real fuss of him and were pleased to see him.”

She gave Jabba a home after seeing an appeal in the News & Star . He was one of four, of a litter of seven, taken to the charity when they were five months old.

And as their arrival coincided with the opening of the latest Star Wars film, The Last Jedi , the pups were aptly named after characters from the blockbuster.

“The whole process of adopting him was a positive experience,” she added.