DOG lovers in Ludlow are being asked to have a bit of fun with fido but with a very serious purpose.

The Rotary Club in the town is raising money for good causes but its showcase event of the year has bitten the dust because of the coronavirus.

By now final preparations should be being made for the annual Dog Day that was to be held in the grounds of Stokesday Court on Sunday, July 19.

But faced with the restrictions and uncertainty about what changes to the regulations might be made, the Rotarians decided that they had no choice but to cancel the event this year.

This means that thousands of people miss out on a good day out and also that charities that provide vital support to the community will also miss out on thousands of pounds.

Many charities have been hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis with demand for their services as great as ever but a considerable loss of revenue because of the inability to undertake fund raising activities.

The four charities that have been earmarked for support this year include two that work with people needing end of life care and support.

These are the Hope House Hospice that supports children with a terminal diagnosis and their families at a terrible time.

St Michael’s Hospice cares for adults who are also coping with life limiting illnesses.

A third beneficiary from the Dog Day would have been the Guide Dog for the Blind Association that provides a lifeline through their support dogs to people who are either blind or visually impaired.

The Rotary Club also puts some money aside for their own initiative that provides small grants to other local charities and good causes.

To help fill the gap in a small way the Rotary Club is running a competition in which people are asked to submit photographs of their dogs.

Details are available at www.ludlowdogday.org.uk. People who submit photographs are asked to donate an entrance fee of through Ludlow Rotary Club at www.goldengiving.com or by texting £2 to 1LUDLOWDOGDAY at 70085. The closing date is Sunday, June 14.