Hampstead’s cutest pooches dressed in an array of colourful outfits and vied for prizes at an annual charity dog show supported by animal lover and comedian Ricky Gervais.

https://twitter.com/rickygervais/status/625409487319470080

About 100 dogs and their owners crowded into the contest at The Garden Gate pub in South End Green for the beauty pageant on Saturday, which raised about £1,600 for East Finchley rehoming charity All Dogs Matter.

Mr Gervais, of Hampstead, spent the event cuddling up to three-month-old Labrador rescue puppy Monty to raise awareness of his need for a new home.

He later tweeted a picture of him and puppy to his 9.3million followers.

Mr Gervais was joined at the show by fellow celebrities including soap actress Michelle Collins, actor Peter Egan and his partner, author Jane Fallon.

Pooches competed for a total of six prizes – best dressed, golden oldies, cutest pup, best rescue, Miss Hampstead and Mr Hampstead.

Mongrel Dotty looked set to swim in Hampstead Heath’s bathing ponds in her swimming cap and towel costume, which won her the prize for best dressed.

She faced stiff competition from her brother Ollie, whose owner had dressed him in an Alice in Wonderland-themed ‘King of Hearts’ outfit.

Pup Idol organiser Ira Moss said: “It was really good fun and a really nice day out.

“I was really pleased to see the amount of people come back who had adopted a dog or who were wiling to adopt.

“It had a party atmosphere and we raised a lot of money to help the dogs who need help and who couldn’t join in the party.”