THERE was much panting and tail wagging down at the seafront today as dogs and their owners anticipated an annual canine awards ceremony.

Pooches On The Prom is held every year and organised by the Martlets hospice in Hove.

This year, dogs and their owners gathered at Big Beach Café near Hove Lagoon to hear which pets were to come first, second and third in a range of awards.

Male dogs paraded in front of judge, and celebrity vet Marc Abraham, for the first category, Mr Brighton.

After much deliberating, Dennis the 18-month-old border terrier was given the winning rosette.

Owners Sam and Dan Saunders and their three children Frank, 13, Oscar, ten, and George, eight, from Hove, were thrilled.

Oscar said: “It’s is really exciting. He won a new water bowl as well.”

Next up all the female pooches strutted their stuff in the Mrs Brighton Award.

Bootle, a six-year-old miniature golden doodle – a retriever and poodle cross – who was dressed to impress in a flower power themed outfit to match her owner’s stole Marc’s heart.

Sarah Randall, her “mother” and Col Williams, her “dog mother”, said they were extremely proud of their pooch.

Sarah said: “She never fails to surprise. Her face was on all the posters for the event and now she’s gone and made herself more famous.”

The final prize category, Bravest Dog, was new this year and created in memory of Shaun Van Vuuren, Marc’s friend and a popular Brighton vet who died in the Martlets last year.

Max, a rescue dog with a tricky past but a gentle manner stood out from the rest.

He was a street dog in Portugal but was then picked up by a rescue team who shipped him over to the RSPCA in the UK.

Owner Caroline Clews from Brighton said: “I am so proud of him. He’s so brave, and this is the first thing he has ever won.”

Marc said: “It’s been such a wonderful event and really special awarding the prizes to the lovely dogs and their owners.

“It’s the first time I have been the judge and the first time Pooches On The Prom have had the bravest dog award.

“Being in memory of Shaun, a great friend and a man who was so popular, it’s been quite an emotional event, but so special.”

Shaun’s wife, Clare attended the heartfelt ceremony.

She said: “I was in the Martlets for about two or three weeks with Shaun, he wanted the dog and they said bring the dog.

“They were just so lovely and caring and did everything they could.

“They are amazing people who work for the Martlets. This day has been so sweet and incredibly moving.”

All the funds from the day go towards the Martlets’ work.

Pictures: Terry Applin