PRETTY pooches struck a pose for a beauty contest with a difference.

Pet owners could enter their dog in categories such as scruffiest dog, best dressed dog and action dog at the event run by Deeside College.

Among the winners were ‘Scruffy’ who took the best small dog and ‘Freddie’ who stole the funniest caption prize.

Delicious chew treats, a doggy coat and a makeover by mobile grooming service Dial-a-Dog-Wash were some the prizes up for grabs.

Runners-up were awarded a certificate and pet owners were rewarded with wine.

The competition was organised by Anna Gainey, a lecturer at the college, who is running the London Marathon on April 17.

The 28-year-old from Gresford, Wrexham, devised the novel idea to help raise funds for the RNLI.

She said: “More than 100 dogs entered the competition which is overwhelming.
“They were the cutest dogs I have ever seen so the judges had a real hard time choosing winners.

“We raised over £100 for the RNLI so it was well worth it.”

Photo entries were judged by Darren Roberts, head of animal care at the college, and Richard Hewitt, photography lecturer.

Anna has embarked on a rigorous training regime to get her fighting fit for the marathon.

“On Saturday, I ran my very first half-marathon which is a big step forward in my training,” she said.

“I wasn’t sure if I would make it around the course because I have an injury but I surprised myself.”

To smash her £2,800 target, Anna has also organised a comedy night with big-name acts.

Raising a laugh will be Janice Connolly who played Holy Mary in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights.

Janice will play the character Barbara Nice who has given up domestic bliss for success on the comedy circuit.

Stand-up comedian Barry Dodds, a finalist in Jimmy Carr’s Comedy Idol competition, will charm the audience with a combination of disarming Geordie wit and and his down-to-earth observational humour.

Compering the show will be Liverpool-born ‘Silky’ who has warmed up the crowds on the BBC1 programme, Strictly Come Dancing.

Tickets for the comedy night at Deeside College on Friday, March 25 are £15 including chicken and chips, and doors open at 6.30pm.

Anna, flanked by students and staff, will also be walking from Deeside College to Asda in Queensferry on Saturday where they will be bag packing with RNLI volunteers.

Email gaineya@deeside.ac.uk for tickets.