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Hopes 'bank collie-day' event is 'biggest yet'

Andrew Byne A photograph of a group of people with dozens of border collies lying down on the grass between them.Andrew Byne
This will be the third time the event has been held, with more dogs and their owners coming each year

It is hoped more than 100 border collies - and their owners - will attend an event to raise funds for a dog rescue charity.

The gathering is the third "bank collie-day" organised by the Rocking Horse Cafe and Gallery in Rock near Alnwick, Northumberland.

Cafe owner Andrew Byne, who has owned collies for 30 years, said it was "important" the dogs were able to socialise with each other.

"They are just such an amazing dog," Mr Byne said, adding: "You don't get that connection with any other."

Andrew Byne A collie jumping over a low green jump with its owner jumping behind.Andrew Byne
Border collies make excellent sheepdogs but are also popular pets

The first event in 2022 attracted 68 border collies, with 80 attending in 2023 and Mr Byne hopes they will get more than 100 this year.

"We have one dog coming from Cornwall, another from Yorkshire and many that have been to every event and some coming for the first time," he said

In 2023, the event raised more than £1,000 for Shak dog shelter, which is based in Alnwick and Mr Byne hopes even more will be raised this year.

The event begins at 12:30 BST.

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