A special 'Doggy Beach Ball' (of the party variety), was organised at Porthleven last Thursday to celebrate pet pooches being allowed back on the sands for winter.

Organised by Beryl Stanley, this is the second year she has held event, to celebrate dogs being allowed back onto the whole of the beach.

Between Easter and the end of September dogs are banned from the main area of beach near the slipway.

It means the only way owners can access the beach with their animals is to use the steep “Blue Buoy” steps. With October once again upon us, however, pooches can parade down the slipway at will.

A group of dog owners and their pets gathered on the sand near the clock tower to enjoy their freedom – and many of the dogs dressed for the occasion, with neckerchiefs and flags in Cornish colours.

Beryl, who has been walking dogs for ten years, said: “Now we can go down the slip by the clock tower, it’s a celebration of allowing dogs back on the beach. The great, great majority are very responsible.”

The get together was followed by a drink in the Atlantic Inn.