Dog owners are invited to put their pets through their paces at the Gardens of Easton Lodge this month.
The Halloween Dog Show will take place on Sunday, October 15 - with visitors welcome to enjoy the autumn leaves on the final Sunday open day of the season.
Sponsors Burns Natural Pet Food are providing prizes for the winning dogs, in categories ranging from best puppy to prettiest bitch and handsomest dog, with a special prize from Butternut Box for the overall winner.
There will be a £2 fee for dogs to enter the show, and they can then enter any classes in which they are eligible.
Dog show classes and timings are as follows:
12.30pm: Puppy under six months.
1pm: Best veteran (for seven years plus).
1.30pm: Best dog Halloween costume.
2pm: Prettiest bitch.
2.30pm: Handsomest dog.
3pm: Dog the judges would most like to take home.
Wendy Paffey of Broxted-based Wendy's Pet Care and Dog Grooming Services will be on the judging panel alongside Dr Alex Bradnick of All Paws Vets, Harlow.
Visitors can also meet Essex Police Dog Handling Unit and their dogs, as well as Support 4 Sight, who will explain what is involved in training guide dogs.
Aside from the dog show, families can enjoy a pumpkin trail and guessing the weight of a pumpkin, den building in Lime Wood, a craft activity for children, a historical display about the Countess of Warwick's love of dogs and other animals and birds.
Frances Evelyn Maynard, who became Countess of Warwick in 1893, was a breeder of collies and Japanese spaniels.
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An animal lover, the Countess at one time brought her pet baby elephant Kim to Easton Lodge from her other home at Warwick Castle.
Hot and cold refreshments will be provided at the event by volunteers from The Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust.
Adult entry costs £5.50 for tickets purchased in advance, and free entry for children under 16.
The entrance fee on the gate on the day is £6.50 for adults and free for children. Dogs must be kept on leads.
To book visit www.eastonlodge.co.uk.
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