AN AWARD-winning Troon dog owner held a successful fundraising event in preparation for a major dog dancing competition later this year.

Heather Smith staged a Valentine's Cabaret at the Pet Empawrium in East Kilbride with her Bearded Collies Gertie and Google and Bichon-Frize DinkyDiva on February 12.

She was joined by Penny Mansfield from Stewarton and her dog Roxy and Irvine woman Rebecca Kennedy and their Australian Shepherds Roxy and Izzy respectively.

The event helped is set to raise around £400 to help Team Scotland take part in the Heelwork to Music (Dog Dancing) Open European Championships in Belgium in August.

In all around £4,000 to £5,000 has to be raised to fund the Scottish team's participation.

It will feature teams from across Europe, including Russia, and as far afield as Japan.

Selection has not yet been made for the Scotland team, but Heather has been confirmed as the team manager and captain.

In all six owners and 12 dogs took part in the cabaret event.

Traditional dog dancing routines were also organised and Rebecca and Izzy took part in a pole-dancing routine.

Heather, who won three Heelwork to Music titles at Crufts said: "Thanks to everyone who took part in the cabaret - it went well. We hope to organise some other events including a treasure hunt at Easter before the European Championships.

She will also be on the other side of the arena at Crufts in March.

"I have been invited to judge the Heelwork to Music event and it will be a change to competing. I look forward to it."