CUMBRIA was well represented at the world's most famous dog show this year, with a number of the county's competitors bringing home top prizes.

Sandra Gibson, owner of Shampooch at StudioK9 in Bowness, attended Crufts with her father Colin and their two Pyrenean Mountain Dogs.

Mr Bowker has had Pyrenean Mountain Dogs for 50 years, winning best of breed six times prior to this year's competition.

Handled by Mrs Gibson, dogs Gaston and his daughter Alia won best of breed and best puppy and reserve best female, respectively.

"Winning best of breed and best puppy like this in Pyreneans hasn't been done for over 30 years," said Mrs Gibson, who lives in Haverthwaite. "It was a particularly proud moment to win two prestigious prizes with our boy, whom we bred, and his daughter and even better as I was with dad."

And Sarah Way, Coniston, who has been showing at Crufts for around 20 years, won first place in the puppy dog category with Sussex Spaniel Sidney.

"I was really pleased when he got pulled out in first place," she said. "You always hope but you never expect."

Mrs Way, 56, has previously shown with a Curly-Coated Retriever but this year was nine-month old Sidney's first outing at the show.

"He seemed to enjoy his day," she said. "He made quite sure everyone knew he was there!"

First place in the post graduate Airedale Terrier dog category went to Catherine Miller with 19-month old Sidney.

Shown by friend Janette Callon, but groomed by Mrs Miller, it was the first time that Sidney had been to Crufts.

"You have got to go in being hopeful," Mrs Miller, 61, of Ulverston, said. "It's not good thinking you are not going to win! It was quite a thrill winning and it's well supported in the Airedale room."

Helen Lister, who has been showing since the 1970's, returned home 'over the moon' with Italian Greyhounds Tiffany and Spencer.

Spencer won the dog challenge certificate and Tiffany first place for the limit bitch category and best of breed.

Miss Lister, of Windermere, said that it is the first time that the same Italian Greyhound has won the best of breed category three years in a row.

"I never thought I would come away with the two top prizes," she said. "You can go in hopeful but there's a lot of things that can happen on the day."

She said that her dogs 'love the show ring' and would excitedly wag their tales as they arrived at the showground.

"It's expensive to take your dogs to shows and Crufts is the most expensive," she said. "You would not take your dog alone if it's not going to enjoy it because it's a complete waste of money."

Elsewhere in the county, Rachel and Derek Abba, of Kendal, showed their Gordon Setter, Archie, who achieved third in the post graduate dog class.

Mrs Abba, who turned 70 on Saturday (March 10) and showed on Sunday (March 11) said that Archie had moved 'beautifully' and she was pleased with the result.

"I was over the moon," she said. "It's a great day. A very tiring day but it's a nice place to meet other dog people and there's interest from the public, coming around to look at Archie.

For first time Crufts attendee, Nadia Wilson of Endmoor, the day was enjoyable despite the fact that her Alaskan Malamute Zeus did not place in the working dog category.

"It was a really good experience," the 22-year-old said. "I am just really proud that he competed because he's like my child and it's like your child going to the Olympics!

"It's was really special and it's really nice to see all the dogs and it's like having an extended family really."