DOGS from across west Wiltshire headed for Crufts at the weekend to compete for some of the most prestigious titles in the canine world and they did not come back empty handed.

Nikki and Karl Payne, from Chippenham, came home with the award for Best of Breed title with their English Springer Spaniel Cepen Country Classic, known at home as Summer.

The Paynes have travelled more than 30,000 miles in the last year showing their dogs all over the country, and were delighted with the win.

Mr Payne said: "She has always been a favourite and won the class ahead of 165 other dogs.

"We have only been showing for seven years, and it can be a very cliquey industry, so for comparatively 'little' people, this is a huge achievement."

Rosemary Banfield, from Keevil, also had cause to celebrate after her dog Connor took the top prize in the special veteran class for Belgian Shepherd dogs.

Connor's show name is Sabrefield Shout For Me, and he has competed in 200 shows in his eight-and-a-half years.

However this year was Connor's last rosette haul, since he has now retired.

Mrs Banfield said: "That was his very last show, and now he will be a breed ambassador at the Discover Dog stand at Crufts."

Belgian Shepherd dogs are a friendly breed, who are popular with visitors to the show and they are also good agility dogs.

Mrs Banfield said: "Because it is a foreign breed, foreign visitors love meeting him, and all the children can give him a hug at the show which he really enjoys.

"Each year I tell myself I will not be going to Crufts because it is such hard work and yet each year I find myself heading up the motorway in March to the event because it is such good fun."

Valerie and Stuart Marle from Bradford on Avon also made the trip to Crufts this year, and came back bearing prizes.

Their Akita Freya won first place in the veteran bitch category for the third time in four years.

Freya's show name is Baromar Princess Kamioka and at 10 years old she has spent a few days sleeping to get over the excitement of the show.

Mr Marle said: "While they are there they are being petted and hugged by all the visitors, and so they miss out on all their chances to sleep in the day. They usually spend a few days sleeping soundly as soon as they get back home."

They are already planning to go back next year with Freya and her half-brother Odin.

Mr Marle said: "It is a long tiring day, but well worth it because it is a chance to catch up with friends and people you only see once a year."