FIZZ the collie cross has something to bark about after being named the South West's top dog.

Judges at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Dog of the Year competition regional heat could not help but be impressed by the Fizz's gleaming coat and perfect obedience.

But things have not always been so rosy for the ten-year-old dog, who was rescued from a cardboard box by RSPCA officers when she was just a puppy.

Delighted owner Kathleen Spinks, from Stallpits Road, Shrivenham, said she had not even intended to enter her dog in that category.

She said: "My husband John spotted the competition to find the best rescued dog and suggested we enter Fizz in it we had originally gone to enter her in the obedience category.

"The next thing we were being presented with a £15 Tesco voucher, a jumper and a bag of biscuits and toys for Fizz.

"She is such a lovely dog, especially when she looks up at you with her big adoring eyes."

Fizz is now due to take on the other regional finalists later this year in Surrey to compete for the country's best dog title.