AN NHS worker from Royal Wootton Bassett and her four-legged friend strolled away with a top prize on the 125th anniversary of the world’s largest dog show.

Julie Hughes, 43, from Tockenham Corner, and her nine-year-old Canaan dog Tiras fought off competition from a host of other dogs to scoop the coveted Best of Breed award.

Tiras was one of nearly 22,000 dogs competing at Birmingham’s NEC last week for the prestigious dog show, which first took place in 1891 where it featured just 2,437 entries. Canaan dogs come from the Middle East.

After seeing her beloved pet put his best paw forward at this year’s Crufts, organised by the Kennel Club, Ms Hughes was left beaming with pride at hers and Tiras’ performance.

“Being Best of Breed at Crufts is kind of the ultimate in the world of Canaan dogs as we don’t have championship status, so winning this award here is as good as it gets,” she said.

“Crufts is such a fantastic show and the atmosphere is just great. It’s so special because of the sheer size of it.

“People bring their dogs from all over the world, so it’s such a lovely thing to have in our country.

“I can’t believe the show has been going on for so long. My dog is getting on a little bit now so this will be his last year.

“What better way to finish than with a win on the 125th anniversary of the show.”