It was a family reunion of the furriest kind.

More than a dozen spaniels and their owners gathered on Winterton beach at the weekend - and every dog there was related in some way.

This is because each spaniel - either springer or weimaraner - was bred by the same Norfolk breeders.

There were barks of delight and waggy tails aplenty, as brothers, sisters, half-brothers, half-sisters - and even an uncle and niece - laid eyes on each other for the first time since finding new homes.

Dogs from across Norfolk and Suffolk attended the reunion, which was organised through a Facebook group dedicated to owners of spaniels who have bought their pets from the same place.

Belinda Ratcheone of Ipswich, who organised the meet up and brought along her nine-month old springer Goose, said: “I thought it would be nice to meet the other owners, as well as seeing all the different dogs. Everyone thought it was a lovely idea.”

While most were half-siblings, there were also a few who met dogs from their same litter. Six-month-old weimaraner brothers Bob and Dave met again, as did 17-month-old brother and sister springers Flynn and Sally. Dodger, the oldest at four, met his niece Luna, three-months old.

Ian Wall of Hopton, Dave’s owner, said: “When they saw each other they both looked very excited. Within a few moments they were having a cuddle and a roll around on the floor together.”

Breeder Lou said: “As a breeder, you rarely get to see how the dogs grow up and the personalities they develop, so it was really lovely to see that.

“I started the group a few years ago just to see how the dogs are getting on, and to offer advice, but it’s really nice that this came of it.

“I definitely think the dogs recognise each other - particularly the younger ones. They can tell a dog is the same breed in general, but from each other’s smells they can recognise that they are related.

“It would be great to do it again.”