DOGS lent a paw to help raise money towards vital hospital equipment at a summer fair.

The event was organised by the League of Friends of Margate’s Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital.

Hounds and their owners turned out in force for the novelty dog show at the event.

Judge Natalie Johnson oversaw 12 classes to consider which was the waggiest tail, most handsome, prettiest bitch, most appealing and most like its owner.

Beautiful weather ensured a large turnout. The proceeds of £5,500 will round off the Friends’ £12,000 fund towards a hoist to enable greater use of theb hydrotherapy pool in the outpatients department.

The pool is vital for helping stroke victims and patients with neurological, orthopaedic and muscular problems.

Margate’s football team officially opened the fair before their inaugural match of the season and the mayors of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate attended.

Margate and Broadstairs Rotary clubs and Broadstairs Inner Wheel ran stalls in aid of the Friends and Broadstairs and St Peter’s Horticultural Society members donated the proceeds from their well-stocked and popular plant stall. Friends committee member Sylvia Pheils said: “It all went really well and we would like to thank all those who took part, contributed or otherwise supported us.”