FANS of labradors and golden retrievers will have a ball at The Game Conservancy Trust's regional gun dog working tests and fun days.

The Worcestershire branch of this national charity is holding its event at Dunnington Heath, near Alcester, in May, with hundreds of dogs expected to be on show.

Over a thousand dogs including retrievers of every type, hue and age, working spaniels and even puppies will be at these well-organised fun days, being run across the country.

The dogs, which do not have to be Kennel Club registered to compete, will be given an opportunity to show off their retrieving and gundog skills through ability tests and exercises.

Winning dogs from the regional heats, including Worcestershire's, will then be automatically entered into the prestigious national finals at the Midland Game Fair at Weston Park, Shropshire, in September.

"We set special tests for the dogs to carry out, such as simulated exercises using dummies and competitions which show handling skills," said co-ordinator Michael Fraser-Allen.

"These fun days have really become the most popular events in the sporting calendar."

The top three dogs in all four classes (open class, special puppy, novice and novice dog/novice handler) will be awarded a range of prizes in the regional heats.

The event takes place on Saturday, May 8. The entrance fee is £5 per dog, for further information contact Sandra Onens on 01386 870403