DOG owners from South Lakeland and north Lancashire triumphed with their hounds at this year’s Crufts.

An international crowd flocked to the world’s largest dog show where judges applauded competitors from the region.

Helen Lister, of Windermere, was a winner with her Italian greyhound Scarlett, who came top in the best bitch category for her breed.

Although still young, Scarlett has already been very successful in the world of dog showing.

Miss Lister said: “She’s only two years old and has already won 12 certificates, but both her grandparents were Crufts winners.

“She really enjoys the showing though and I will continue to take her – she still has many chances to do well.”

Another top dog was Lance the beagle, whose owner Christine Lewis, of Yealand Redmayne, has been going to the event for the past 50 years.

She said: “Lance came second in the special puppy category and I am really pleased – he is just 11 months old and Crufts was only his third show.

“He seemed to really enjoy the day and so did I – it’s always a great atmosphere.

“I actually think it’s the most sociable show of the year as there are so many people from different parts of the world, and everyone is genuinely interested in the dogs. I will continue to go for the next few years at least.”