HUGO, the 14-month-old Weimaraner, pulled out all the stops last Thursday at Crufts, and was awarded first in his class.

Donna Gregory, from the Launceston area, entered Hugo in the Junior class and was delighted when he was chosen as the winning dog.

She said: "It was overwhelming. I lost my bottle in the end and a lady, who has a lot more experience, showed him for me. My husband kept saying we're wasting our time because Hugo can be a bit naughty, but he was on his best behaviour."

The placing means that Hugo has automatically qualified for next year's competition.

There were six dogs in his class and he was given a certificate and rosette by the judges.

Also making her mark at Crufts was Layla the Bernese mountain dog, who was placed fifth out of 13 in her class.

Layla's owner, Chris Wood from Sutcombe, said: "I am so proud of her as it was the first time we have entered the limit class so feel very privileged to have been placed."

Layla — whose Kennel Club name is Tamarbern Dusky Maiden — received a highly commended rosette.