Variety of breeds at the dog show

THE Market is a huge asset to Hatherleigh and the large shed lends itself to so many different activities.

There is the farmers' carol service at Christmas, the boot fair on Sunday afternoons, equine sales, poultry shows, and of course the Tuesday mornings, when it's possible to buy almost anything, from a pasty to needles and cotton, clothing, plants, books, tools and bric-a-brac.

But I must say one of my favourite activities is the Okehampton and District Canine Society Open Show, writes Marian Presswell.

From early morning the sheds resound to friendly barks, the rattle of cages and the swish of grooming brushes. In the various parade circles, owners walk their well-behaved dogs, who seem to enjoy being on show and trot around jauntily and submit to the judges' careful consideration and long, thoughtful stares.

You can walk around and talk to the dogs awaiting their turn, and they are never aloof, always friendly and responsive. No snobbery from these pedigrees here.

Hatherleigh is a very dog-friendly place, but you do tend to meet the more usual breeds as you walk around the town – labradors, springers and Jack Russells – so it's a great chance to see some more unusual dogs at the show, like Alaskan malamutes, Siberian huskies, Bernese mountain dogs, Polish sheepdogs, Japanese sheba inu, and affenpinschers.

The owners, in spite of concentrating on seeing there isn't a hair out of place, are also very friendly and willing to tell you all about their dogs.

The list of exhibitors reveals that they have come to Hatherleigh from all over Devon and Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

It's good to think they congregate in Hatherleigh Market, making use of Old Schools and the Market Cafe.

The show is sponsored by Vicks and is yet another reason why we are so glad to have the market in the town.