TOP dogs from across west and north Wiltshire had something to bark about after bringing home a clutch of titles from this year's Crufts.

The 101st show attracted a bumper number of entrants and visitors and many of the classes were televised.

Trowbridge teenager Verity Barnett was one of the youngest winners after her four-year-old Border Collie Sky wowed the judges in the elementary obedience section.

The 15-year-old John of Gaunt pupil, who takes Sky to training sessions at her grandmother's Seend-based dog school every week, said: "I was quite scared as I thought things were going to go wrong and she wouldn't get it right on the day.

"It was her first Crufts and I was worried because she can be scared of noise and loud music.

"I kept thinking about the thousands of people watching. My mum was crying when I won."

Proud mother Cheryl, 39, said: "As a mother you get really nervous for them. This was all new for Verity she has done all the training herself. I know nothing about dogs.

"I had to be in the crowd with a video camera in camouflage so the dog didn't recognise me."

Valerie and Stuart Marle, from Bradford on Avon, also had the champagne corks popping when their nine-year-old Akita, Odin, scooped first prize in his breed's veteran section.

Following on in the footsteps of his award-winning half-sister Frejya, who has picked up three first prizes at Crufts in previous years, Odin was given a tasty tuna treat for his achievement.

Mr Marle, 56, said: "He is a bit

of a canine athlete as he is essentially a working sled dog. We race

him all over the country. He looks like a big cuddly bear and loves

competing in the shows."

Rosemary Banfield's Belgian Shepherd, Connor, came out of retirement to secure three awards in his class including best dog.

Connor has competed in more than 200 shows in his nine years.

Mrs Banfield, 50, from Keevil, said this was definitely his last haul of rosettes.

"He is a very experienced dog. I was only bringing him to the show to make up the numbers. He has done very, very well," she said.

"I know he loves it. He gets to Crufts and he starts to bounce."

Westbury-based Irish Red and White Setter Uther was another award winner, securing a first in the limit class for his breed.

Owner Margaret Powell, 59, said: "I have had this type of dog for the last 16 years. They are very kind, very loyal animals."

Dog breeders Gary and Gill Gray were celebrating after their German Shepherd Lottie won best of breed.

Mr Gray, 40, who appeared on television with his four-year-old pet, said he was thrilled to scoop first prize.

"Lottie is already a show champion but it's good to win at Crufts because it is the culmination of the whole championship year," he said.

The couple have six German Shepherds at their home near Melksham.

Smooth-haired Collie Toby came first in his breed's post graduate category.

Breeder Pamela Hindes, of Foxham, near Chippenham, said: "He has already qualified for next year's championship after winning a championship in Manchester.

"He is only a puppy so I hope he can win best of breed in the next few years."

Four other dogs owned by Miss Hindes also picked up prizes at the annual show.