KARL and Nikki Payne have got a definite spring in their step, after their English springer spaniel, Summer, scooped Best of Breed at this year's Crufts.

Summer, or Show Champion Cepen Country Classic, as she's known in doggie circles, was awarded one of the top honours in the show, despite only being a tender two-and-half-years old.

Her owners, both 35, of Broomfield, Chippenham, say they couldn't believe their ears when the judges chose their dog for the top accolade.

"Summer won the Best Bitch award at the show last year, but we never dreamed she'd take Best of Breed at such a young age," said Mrs Payne.

Summer has been on the show circuit since she was just six months old and is one of six spaniels owned by the couple.

Chippenham's canine notoriety also reached new heights at this year's Crufts, thanks to the performance of a six-strong team from the Chippenham Agility Club.

The six travelled up from their training base at Staverton, near Trowbridge on Friday, after reaching the quarter-finals of the national team agility competition. And they didn't disappoint, coming third in the event out of a total of 100 teams.

Russia, a Baltic-born Doberman from The Gibb, near Castle Combe, also did well at this year's Crufts, bringing home a First in his class.

Making his first appearance at the doggie Oscars, 18-month-old Russia only arrived in Britain six months ago, after being selected by his owner from an Internet picture.

His owner, Lynne Jones, 35, who runs the transport company Coach Style, at The Gibb, said: "Russia was shortlisted into the final three for the best of breed at Crufts, but lost out because of maturity. But he's only very young and to win a First was a great thrill."

Russia is now entered in the North of England Championships on March 30 and Lynne said she has no doubt he's going to do well.

Colin and Kath Shaw from Rowde, near Devizes are the proud owners of Violet, the 15-month-old wire-haired fox terrier who won the special junior class at Crufts.

Meanwhile, Trilby the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, whose owners live at Horton near Devizes, made history at Crufts by being the only dog of her breed to compete in the inter regional obedience competition.

But she and her fellow dogs did not perform to the standard their owners are used to and the team came a disappointing fifth.

Rosie Clifford of Roundway Village near Devizes, emerged triumphant with her wire-haired Dachshunds Monty and his son Hector, both winning their classes at Crufts.

Monty, nine, won the best veteran class.

This year was the first Crufts' appearance for one-year-old Hector. He won best puppy and Mrs Clifford hopes he can emulate Monty's success.

She said: "Hector loved it at Crufts. He was rolling on his back and loved the attention from people."

Mrs Clifford also took Hector's sister, Hettie, who came fifth in her class and Tarka, Monty's granddaughter, who was not placed.

Susan Chant and her Finnish spitz bitch Elsa competed at Crufts on Saturday for the third time. On her two previous appearances Elsa, who is four-and-a-half years old and lives with her owner is Semington, came second in her class.

Elsa has won many shows and was top bitch of her breed in the country in 2001 and 2002 and Ms Chant, who owns Devizes Fine Arts, had high hopes of Elsa's chances this time at Crufts.