An RSPCA worker shaved her head at an event which attracted thousands of people to raise money for a rescue centre.

Visitors to the dog show, at Southridge Centre, in Packhorse Lane, South Mimms, last weekend, enjoyed warm sunshine and a carnival atmosphere as they watched shepherding displays, an agility display and troupes of dancing dogs.

While youngsters flocked to the bouncy castle, older guests tucked into Pimms and strawberries.

For animal care assistant Kerri Brown, 23, the afternoon was not so much hair-raising as hair-losing, as she had her head shaved to raise money for the centre.

Ms Brown, from Rushfield, Potters Bar, lives with four dogs, a cat and two tropical house lizards. She said: “My hair has been every colour and every style since I was 12.

“My mum said the only thing I hadn’t done was shave it - and that gave me the idea.

“Sitting in that chair in the middle of the field, it was very nerve-wracking knowing that my hair was going.

"But afterwards I found it very liberating. It’s very breezy and everyone really likes it."

Another animal care assistant, Charlotte Rumbelow, 20, provided a little Turkish delight for the crowd with her belly dancing routine.

"I was nervous the moment I got out of bed on Sunday morning," she said.

“I knew it would be the biggest audience I’ve ever danced for.”

Model and presenter Kryssy Martin, who organised the day, said: ”The day was frantic. We had 15 dog models, including Staffies, a Jack Russell and a Rottweiler, and they were amazing - they walked the walk beautifully, wearing crystal collars, colourful jackets and gorgeous harnesses.

"And the finale was fantastic, with two of Southridge’s resident dogs, Sidney and Muttley, dressed as bride and groom and being walked gracefully around the ring by manager Anna White’s daughters, Sienna and Katarina.

“Since the show we’ve had interest in at least three of the dogs featured and we’ve managed to sell lots of items from the shop. So all in all it was a great success."