More than 100 dogs were welcomed to the Garden Gate Pub in Hampstead for the Santa Paws Christmas Fair on Sunday.

Canine visitors were offered gourmet home-made dog treats by Hampstead-based Lovesniffys, while mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and a silent auction entertained their owners.

The fair was run by All Dogs Matter, a charity that rescues and re-homes dogs to raise awareness.

There has been a 30 per cent increase in the number of dogs abandoned before Christmas compared to last year, Ira Moss, general manager of the Haringey-based charity, said.

She said: “We need to raise extra funds to be able to kennel the dogs over the Christmas period, when heating costs more.”

The charity has seen an increase in the re-homing of abandoned dogs by Hampstead Garden Suburb and Highgate residents over the past year, many of whom attended the fair.

Two of the dogs - decked out in Christmas costumes - ran a Santa’s Grotto for local children.

Local businesses also donated items for the silent auction, which raised approximately £500 for the charity.

Actress Michelle Collins brought her two dogs along to the fair. She adopted shih tzu Humphrey from All Dogs Matter two years ago and Yorkshire terrier Nano, last month.

The Coronation Street star said: “I saw this little dog who needed a home and fostered him, so I have a rescue dog called Humphrey.”

Explaining why she has just taken in a second dog from All Dogs Matter for her mother, she said: “My mum has not been very well, and it has been the making of her.

“Dogs are great, particularly for people who haven’t been feeling well. If you have something else to concentrate on, it really helps to take the stress away.”