ONE of North Yorkshire's top stately homes has gone to the dogs - at least that's what visitors to Castle Howard said.

Man's best friend was out in force for national Bring Your Dog To Work Day, and there were plenty of pooches milling around the home's immaculate gardens yesterday.

Darcy the Dalmatian, Lilly the English Bull Terrier, and estate pets Sandy and Bassey are regular sights, but they enjoyed some extra special attention as part of the fundraising day. Staff on the estate said bringing their dog to work left them feeling happier and more relaxed.

All of the pets seemed over the moon at the sight of such a huge expanse of land to play on.

During last year's foot and mouth crisis Castle Howard was one of the few places to stay open, and became a haven for dog-walkers and their four-legged friends.

This year more staff than ever took their dogs to work to raise money for the Blue Cross animal welfare charity.

One senior executive at Castle Howard admitted: "There is something quite disarming about sitting in a high-powered estate meeting with The Hon Simon Howard and realising under the table there is a furry head finding its way on to your knee, and a canine tongue licking your hand."

Updated: 11:56 Wednesday, September 18, 2002