THE family dog show is a firm favourite with showgoers as it gives the public and their furry friends a chance to join in with the showing fun.

However it was not four paws that won the veteran round this year, but three. Gordon, the Manchester Terrier, was accompanied by his young owner, Minette Elston-Benjamin, and they did a splendid job.

Minette’s mother was originally from Ashwater and she and her family were down for the summer from London to visit Minette’s granparents who live in the area. Whilst visiting they decided to enter Gordon and were pleased they did.

There was a cheer from the crowd as Minette and her three-legged, 13-and-a-half-year-old dog stepped into the ring and showed the judges what they were made of. Minette explained that Gordon lost his leg when he was one-and-a-half years old after a car hit him. He also has acupuncture every week to help with arthritis, but that wasn’t going to stop him joining in the fun.

It was a clear win for the veteran dog, who was later caught taking a nap between classes.

Minette told the Post: “I am very pleased we won, last time I got fourth in the junior handlers’ so I was pleased we managed to win this time.”