CAMELFORD couple Mandy Carter and her husband Nick, a local vet, had a fondness for the lurcher breed, but when they decided to get their own dog they wanted one with "less health issues".

Mandy, who works in St Austell, said: "We have an army of people supporting us, we have a lot of good friends in the area."

They have entered Crufts with their Ibizan Hounds 12 times, and this year are going with: Amahte Runnin on Jamaican Time, pet name Bolt, who is part owned by Canadian breeder Roberta Hozempa; Diecisete Mandarina At Afilador, pet name Kalusha; and have also qualified to enter a team of three into the breeders final: Afilador Moonlight Shadow, pet name Bandit, Afilador A Hint of Jasmine, pet name Jasmine and their mother Afilador Spark to a Flame, pet name Juno, all three have been raised and bred by Nick and Mandy.

All of the couple's show dogs have been awarded stud book numbers.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.