This year’s Bowood Charity Dog Show and Summer Fair raised more than £33,000 for charities including Macmillan Cancer Support.

The grounds of Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s home, at Bowood, was used for seventh time this year.

Lady Lansdowne’s father, Donald Merritt, tragically died of cancer but, during the latter days of his life, received such caring treatment from Macmillan Cancer Support that Lady Lansdowne and her family felt that they would somehow like to repay that kindness.

Being dog lovers, they decided that a dog show could be a good way to raise money for the charity.

All money taken on the gate now goes to a wide range of charities, not just Macmillan. Each year the Donald Merritt Cup is presented to the overall winner.

The show has had nearly 80,000 visitors so far and this year featured the Tractor Ted Farm Show.

Wiltshire charities have benefited by £163,000, which includes direct contributions from visitors.

The recipients at a presentation on October 12 included Macmillan Cancer Support, Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, AGE UK Wiltshire, Wiltshire Blind Association, Calne Welfare Charities, Dogs Trust, RNLI Wiltshire, Families of the Fallen, Springboard, Headway, Greatwood, Derry Hill PCC, Dorothy House, RABI and Youth Action Wiltshire.

Many of the charities which receive donations provide volunteers who help make the show a success.

Jennie Shaw, director of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, said: “The show has supported the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust over the past five years.

“Their help enables us to provide a courtesy Home Security Service for older, vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Swindon and Wiltshire, who have become, or are at risk of becoming, victims of house crime or domestic abuse.”

Gail Nugent, general manager of Wiltshire Blind Association, said: “As an independent charity, the Wiltshire Blind Association receives no core funding and relies on the kind generosity of its supporters.

“We were thrilled to receive the cheque from the Show and the money will be put to good use, providing essential support services to people living with sight loss in the county.”

The committee is already planning the next show on Sunday, June 9, 2013.