A GROUP of good boys and their owners met at Ventnor last weekend for their annual celebration of being allowed on the beaches again.

The golden retriever meet occurs on the first Sunday of October every year after a summer of no-dog beaches.

Organiser, Steve Stevens, said: "It was a very successful day, it was brilliant. The dogs aren't allowed on the beaches during the summer, so it's nice to celebrate when we've got the beach back."

Steve's golden retriever, 11-year-old Berry, joined the 30 other canine friends, including eight-month-old Mabel to eight-year-old Millie, on the packed beach.

He said he loves goldens because they are the ideal dog — they're gentle, dedicated and give unconditional love.

"It's a great day for the dogs and the owners. I know so many owners across the Island now so it's a nice meet up for us, too.

"They were all exhausted by the end of the day so we were forced to retire to the pub."