ROYAL dogs had their day at the races in Poole Park yesterday when crowned corgis reigned over Parkstone Rotary Club's annual doggie derby.

Arriving in a chauffeured limousine escorted by a motorcycle outrider, their canine highnesses Teddy and Holly were greeted by an equerry before shaking a royal paw with race organisers.

On a walkie about, the pedigree chums wagged tails and exchanged barks with spectators and competitors at the doggie derby which in deference to the royal visit and pending jubilee celebrations included a special class for corgis.

Despite frequent showers which made the going heavy, some 70 dogs of all shapes and sizes took part in the day-long programme of handicap races which saw some fast and occasionally furious competition where a wet nose was the official winning distance in the grand final.

While the haring hounds were hurtling around, there was characteristic bitchiness among the more pampered pooches who strutted their stuff in a canine beauty pageant.

Hot dogs were among other off-track attractions for the hundreds of humans who also flocked to the dog derby and fun day which is expected to have raised around £1,500 for the Rotary Club's chosen charity, the Montacute School in Poole for children with severe learning difficulties.