UNLEASH THE DOG LOVER IN YOU AT THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM, WESTONBIRT

Cotswold-based author Jilly Cooper will be making a special appearance as a celebrity judge at Dog Days at The National Arboretum, Westonbirt in February.

Now in its third year, Dog Days has grown into a fantastic fun-packed weekend for families and their furry friends. Scrufft’s, the nation’s favourite annual cross breed competition, returns again to launch the regional heats for 2008 on Sunday February 24th and the animal-loving author will be helping to judge all categories.

Run by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, Scruffts' entries* are judged on good character, health and temperament and this event is always hugely popular as it celebrates dogs in all their diversity. Winners of the Westonbirt Scruffts heat will be entered into the Scruffts final at The Kennel Clubs Discover Dogs event in London.

Throughout the weekend there’s a huge amount to see and do. There's Cani-Cross dog racing, arena displays and a dog show for the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum to ensure that every dog can have its day!

Dog lovers will be able to purchase all sorts of goodies for their pet in an exhibitor marquee, from luxury beds, portraits and dog runs.

Attraction manager John Burton said: “This weekend is always great fun. Dog lovers are a certain breed of people that always get along, so the atmosphere is great as everyone - and their dog - gets involved.

Westonbirt is a hugely popular day out for families with dogs as they have the whole of Silk Wood to explore. Dog Days allows us to unleash all the pleasures of dog ownership, and we very much looking forward to this special weekend.”

Event opening time: 10am - 4pm. Admission prices: Adults £6, Conc £5, Child £2. Dog Days programmes will be available on the day and will include full listings of the weekend’s events. For more information contact 01666 880147 or go to www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

*To enter Scruffts, dogs must be more than 6 months and less than 12 years old. Entry to each class is £1, with all money raised going to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust. Scruffts rosettes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each class. Only 1st -place winners in each class will be eligible for the final in November at the Discover Dogs event at Earls Court 2 in London.

For further information about Scruffts, call the hotline, 020 7518 1012, between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, or contact The Kennel Club, 1-5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London W1J 8AB.

Notes to Editors:

1. Westonbirt - The National Arboretum, is renowned worldwide for its tree and shrub collection. It contains nearly 16,000 specimens, including almost half of those woody plants known to grow in the world's temperate climate zone, and covers 600 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Its importance is recognised by English Heritage's Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historical Interest as a Grade 1 registered Landscape.

2. Westonbirt is managed by the Forestry Commission. Visitor numbers are just under 350,000 per annum with a membership of over 22,000.

3. Westonbirt Arboretum was established in 1829 by wealthy landowner Robert Holford, and later developed by his son, George Holford. Much of Westonbirt's renowned autumn colour is often credited to Sir George's plantings of Japanese maples between 1875 and 1900, many of which are still alive today. Unlike many arboreta, Westonbirt is laid out according to aesthetic appeal rather than scientific or geographical criteria, and the Holfords' legacy is open for all to enjoy - a beautiful, relaxing and unique day out amongst some of the tallest, oldest and rarest trees and shrubs in Britain.

4. Westonbirt is home to the National Collection of Japanese Maples, with over 300 different types in the collection. The Forestry Commission opened Westonbirt Arboretum to the public in 1961, and in 1966 a new Acer Glade was established alongside the original one planted by Robert and George Holford in 1870. Today we are in the process of creating the world’s best collection of maples.

5. Westonbirt Arboretum is three miles south west of Tetbury on the A433 (Tetbury to Bath Road). It is 10 miles north-east of Junction 18 of the M4 and south-east of junction 13 of the M5.

6. The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. Further information can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk

For further information or images please contact Charlotte Hazelby or Alison Jennings on 0117 9441166 or email info@cspr.uk.com