AT least 50 rescue dogs will be competing against each other at Buckham Fair on Sunday for the Rescue Dog Championship which will be worth £350 to the winner’s charity choice.

Well known for his love of the canine species, Martin Clunes will be one of the judges deciding who has the prize money.

This year the money comes from sponsors Beaminster vets Girling & Bowditch and solicitors Kitson & Trotman.

The contestants will come under the watchful eyes not only of their TV actor host, but will have to impress vet Terry Girling, Kitson & Trotmans’ Jackie Winder and pedigree judge Neil Straw, who will decide on this year’s champion.

A booklet of contestants will be sold on the day in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, which is the charity of choice this year.

Buckham Fair began in 2008 when Martin and his wife Philippa realised their farm would be perfect to hold an old-fashioned style fair.

He said: “After moving to our farm in 2007 we bought a new plot of land, one of the few pieces of flat land in Beaminster. “We realised that the land would be perfect for all the community to have fun and also raise money for local charities.

“In fact we have since found out that there is an ancient charter that allows the holder of the land to hold a fair each year.

“Keen horse, pony and dog lovers, we also wanted to include a pony and dog show. “The classes in both have grown year on year and now the schedule is packed full with many and varied events including police dog displays, heavy horse displays, vintage cars and scooters.”

The trade stands have also become a large part of the attractions selling mainly local products and the food court has grown to include an inside tented ‘deli’ area.

Jilly Carrington, whose miniature dog creations grace the homes of stars like Lilly Allen and Neil Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys, are being sold to raise funds.

He added: “We do feel very lucky to live in such an unspoilt and beautiful area and it is fantastic to be able to share it with the community once a year.”

To date the chosen charities have been the air ambulance, Julia’s House children’s hospice and the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and they have raised more than £112,000.

Details about the dogs and fair attractions can be found on the website at buckhamfair.co.uk The Clunes also thanked their committee Diana Clarke, Bhavani Hogarty, Vanessa Voegele-Downing, Rosemary Young and Caroline Godwin.