AN army of French bulldogs is set to take over a farm.

Dog lovers will converge on Northcote Stud Farm, Langho, for Barklife dog festival and craft market on February 25.

The festival, which is the only one of its kind in the country, is a charity event supporting Phoenix French Bulldog Rescue.

The event will include a fun dog show with a trophy for best in show as well as a handmade craft market.

Organiser Tom Lewis, from Chorley, said he spotted a gap in the market after looking for a meet up to attend with his two ‘Frenchies’

The 30-year-old said: “It all came about because I bought a Frenchie and wanted to take her somewhere to socialise.

“My mum has a schnauzer and goes to all these meet-ups but there was nothing like that for Frenchie owners.

“I originally started it for French bulldog owners but it’s gone massive.

“In the end, I just wanted to organise something that would bring people who love dogs together.

“And it’s a great opportunity for the small businesses who come and sell things like dog accessories and food.”

The former car salesman said Barklife Langho will be the fourth, and biggest, festival he has organised since the debut event last August.

He said: “I announced the first one from a Facebook post and couldn’t believe how many people showed up.

“I would have been happy with 50 people but we ended up with 500.

“We’ve had three more since then and each one has been more popular.

“I left my job after the first festival so I could focus on organising and promoting.

“It’s for a great cause, as a percentage of the proceeds goes to Phoenix French Bulldog Rescue.”

“A lot of people buy Frenchies not realising how many health problems they have so a lot of them end up in rescue centres.

“They need all the help they can get.”

The festival will be free entry for children and dogs and £5 for adults.

Parking will be free.

For more information email barklifeevents@gmail.com.