A LOCAL photographer will open a one-off community led exhibition showcasing the unique dogs of Ryedale.

Polly Baldwin, a fine art editorial photographer who moved to Kirkbymoorside earlier this year, has spent the past six months photographing the local canine community to make up the Kirkbymoorside Canine Community Project Show to help bring dog owners together.

Polly, who has a black Labrador of her own, Beaufort, said that she wanted to create something that shows how man's best friend can help to bring communities together.

She said: "Focusing in on the reasons why local communities are brought together and stay together is really important to me.

"I work alongside many different aspects of this community - equine, sporting, farming, business - and I am fascinated by the fact that it always seem to be our four legged friends who take the un-sung responsibility of being the glue that binds us all together."

A total of 65 dogs from Labradors to Staffordshire Bull Terriers have been photographed and as a result the exhibition has been named #DogDiversity.

Polly said: "The exhibition illustrates the dog's role in friendships, business and livelihood. It covers topics of rescue, the combat of loneliness, companionship, working the land and how doors can open to a world of possibilities if a dog is involved."

The exhibition, which opens today (Wednesday, November 12) will run from 9.30am-7.30pm in Kirkbymoorside Moorside Rooms and visitors, both two and four legged, are encouraged to go along.

Portraits of the dogs will be on sale from £10 and the proceeds will go to Ryedale Dog Rescue. There will also be a guess the name of the dog competition with the chance to win a Hugo and Hennie bespoke dog bed which will be handmade for the winner.