TWO dedicated Crufts competitors proved their pets were top dogs after landing prizes at this year’s prestigious show.

The Kennel Club welcomed more than 22,000 pampered pooches to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham for the most awaited competition on the canine calendar.

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And Colne trainer Jill Holgate was jumping for joy after Lara, her seven-year-old field spaniel, claimed the highly sought after Best of Breed award.

Mrs Holgate, from Skipton Old Road, saw Lara beat off competition to scoop the coveted prize on Thursday, before taking part in the evening session at the main arena.

She said: “It is amazing. It was totally unexpected and I didn’t think I would win Best of Breed, but it feels great.

“We’ve always had quite a lot of winners. I have been coming to Crufts since 1976.

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Jill Holgate with Lara

“We’ve got a dog called Olivia who is a breed record holder for field spaniels. They are a very special breed of dog and great fun to be around.”

In another triumph for Pendle, Gail Riley picked up the Best of Breed prize with her eight-year-old Hungarian Wire-haired Vizsla, Saffy.

Mrs Riley, who runs a dog products firm, was beaming with pride after her victory.

She said: “I am absolutely flabbergasted that Saffy has got Best of Breed. It is such a competitive event.

“The atmosphere at Crufts is so special. I have been coming here for years – you just have to really.

“The main arena is just a truly special experience.”

Previous East Lancashire winners at Crufts include Kym Pearson, from Burnley, whose border collie, Zara, walked away with the winner’s rosette in the Special Pre-Beginners Obedience Stakes Final last year.