A GLORIOUS weekend provided a perfect backdrop for two big fund-raisers for St Michael's Hospice, one an established event, the other a newcomer.

At Hereford Leisure Centre, the fifth annual Sue Parry six-a-side football festival kicked off, with 20 junior and 64 senior teams raising more than £4,000 in memory of Sue, a football-loving woman who died from cancer in 1999 aged just 24.

To date, friends, family and hundreds of six-a-side football teams have helped to raise £34,000 for the Sue Parry Appeal.

Meanwhile, at the hospice itself, Misha, the St Michael's German shepherd was among the star attractions at 'Bark in the Park', a new and, its organisers hope, permanent addition to Herefordshire's summer diary.

Pedigrees and pooches alike flocked to the hospice's Bartestree grounds to take part in the first companion dog show, where five pedigree and 11 novelty classes ensured that every dog could have its day.

Having delivered her judgment on the canine entrants, professional judge Maggie Mullins gave her verdict on the show.

"With such a beautiful day and a beautiful selection of dogs, the atmosphere was superb and everyone enjoyed themselves," she said. "This has been one of the nicest companion dog shows I have judged."

Well over 100 dogs brought their owners to the show. Black Labrador Benson won Best in Show and Toby took the title of 'Dog with the waggiest tail', raising more than £1,000 for the hospice.