PAMPERED dogs won prizes at the weekend, as competitors from west and north Wiltshire celebrated success at Crufts.

The 115th show was held at the Birmingham NEC from Thursday-Sunday. More than 22,000 dogs from 32 countries took part, and an Australian Shepherd called Chance won Best in Show.

Cavalier King Charles spaniel Summer took first place in the good citizenship competition.

Owner Angela Stevenson, 47, of Shepherds Mead, Dilton Marsh, said: "It is just a really big buzz. To even qualify is good and to win is fantastic. It all starts again for next year now."

Karl and Nikki Payne, from Chippenham, were celebrating success with their English springer spaniel, also called Summer, when she won the best bitch title. Mr Payne, 38, said: "She just lost out for best in breed. It was the third time she has won the challenge certificate, which is the first time it had been done for 70 years.

"We have been absolutely on cloud nine since. People have been emailing and calling ever since to say congratulations. "During the competition she just absolutely loved it. She was walking round and you could see in her face that she was thinking, here I am, beat me if you can'."

Pam Coulbert's 22-month-old basset hound Lucy Lockett took first place in the yearling bitch competition. Mrs Coulbert, of Church Street, Maiden Bradley, said: "If you want my honest opinion it (Crufts) has become a bit over-commercialised in the last few years. You can buy dog hats, jackets or beds from the show. "There was even jewellery being sold, earrings for basset hounds."

Angela and Paul Smart, of Wetherby Close, Chippenham, were also celebrating as their 22-month-old Afghan hound Tia took first place in the yearling bitch category. Mr Smart, 44, said: "It was a strong class with 19 competitors. "Angela took her around the ring and she was pulled out first. "It is really nerve-wracking because of all the media and there are so many people watching, you don't want to get anything wrong."You just want the dog to perform to the best of her ability."

Ros Brakes, of Charlieu Avenue, Calne, was celebrating after her affenpinscher Stella won best in breed. She said: "Because she won best in breed we went into the big ring in the toy group. She is a very showy dog and only 20 months old. It was a real honour and really thrilling, Crufts always has a bit extra prestige. It was a lovely day but extremely strenuous. We started at six in the morning and didn't finish until 11 at night."