Pet owners will be able to take their canine companions to a charity walk and fun dog show at Hatfield House.

Banish those winter blues and put your best foot forward in aid of Digswell Place Group RDA.

The annual Dogs and Daffs event returns to the Hertfordshire stately home on Sunday, March 17, 2024.

All proceeds from the day will be in aid of the Digswell Place Group Riding for the Disabled.

The Dogs and Daffs website states: "Help us make our 2024 event the most successful yet...

"Our Dogs and Daffs day has become one of our favourite fundraising events in our calendar. With your support (as well as your dogs) we have managed to raise more than £45,000 for the Digswell Place Group Riding for Disabled Association over the last eight years."

The beautiful grounds of Hatfield Park will be opened exclusively for walkers and their dogs taking part in this event ahead of the official 2024 visitor season which begins at Easter.

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Pop along to the Stable Yard at Hatfield House with your pooch to take part in the fun dog show and stroll the grounds of Hatfield Park following a selection of park walks. There is also a wheelchair/buggy friendly route.

Early bird tickets are available now at £7.50 per person. Tickets bought on the day will be £9 per person. Children under 12 go free.

The Digswell Place Group RDA’s aims are to provide, through activities with ponies and horses, therapy, achievement and enjoyment to people with disabilities.

At their purpose-built, voluntarily run riding facilities on the edge of Welwyn Garden City, they aim to give the opportunity of riding, where it is safe to do so, to disabled children and adults who might benefit in their health and wellbeing.

Their riders gain the physiological advantages of exercise in the open air, increased self-confidence from overcoming fear, independence and social inclusion.

For further information about the event visit www.dogsanddaffs.weebly.com or contact info@digswellplacerda.org.uk or 01707 332159. You can also visit www.digswellplacerda.org.uk

On the day, the fun dog show will start at noon.

Among the categories judged by sponsors are 'Best Puppy (under 12 months)', 'Best Rescue Dog', 'Waggiest Tail', 'Scruffiest Mutt', 'Most Handsome Dog', 'Prettiest Bitch' and the coveted 'Best in Show'.

You can enter as many categories as you like — it's just £3 a class.

Among the canine capers to enjoy on the day is the have-a-go dog scurry. Taking place from 10am to 2pm, it costs only £2 per go.

As for doggy displays, there will be flyball demonstrations and your four-legged friend can have a go for £3.

Dogs and Daffs is a private fundraising event and resident permits and season tickets are not valid.