A dog trainer whose catch phrases helped make her a household name went back to school near her home to help it celebrate a milestone birthday 44 years ago.

Barbara Woodhouse, who lived in Croxley Green, become famous in this country and abroad thanks to the TV series Training Dogs The Woodhouse Way, which was first broadcast in January 1980 and showcased her phrases including “walkies” and “sit!”

The previous summer she had been snapped by a Watford Observer photographer talking to dog owners during a fete to mark the 25th anniversary of Rickmansworth School.

Watford Observer: This tug of war team are cheered on from the sidelines.This tug of war team are cheered on from the sidelines. (Image: Watford Observer)

The event took place on July 14, 1979 and there were plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy on the school’s playing fields as these pictures from our archive show, including tug of war, a penalty competition and a game of hook the bottle. Do you remember Corona soft drinks?

Watford Observer: A bottle of Bells up for grabs?A bottle of Bells up for grabs? (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Taking a shot at the goalieTaking a shot at the goalie (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: This tug of war team get some encouragement.This tug of war team get some encouragement. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Trying to hook a bottle of CoronaTrying to hook a bottle of Corona (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Children enjoy an inflatable castleChildren enjoy an inflatable castle (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: This activity involved throwing large diceThis activity involved throwing large dice (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Some more action from the tug of warSome more action from the tug of war (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The fete attracted hundreds of visitorsThe fete attracted hundreds of visitors (Image: Watford Observer)