A DELICATE little Italian Greyhound proved herself a giant in the show ring at Crufts this year.

Chrisford Scragend, or 'Remnant' to her friends, came first in the limit bitch competition before taking the bitch challenge certificate, best of breed and reached the last eight of the toy group.

Owner Kay Rutter had four other dogs at the prestigious show and Chrisford Shake the Snake, Chrisford Slinky Milinky and Chrisford Grotbag all brought prizes home to Hereford.

Thrilled with her excited group of prancing prize-winners, Mrs Rutter said: "I've had other breeds but the greyhounds are just great fun and really happy dogs. We would not be without them."

Another 'Hereford dog' - a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Champion Tyci Cadfael - was second in the open dog and first in the good citizens dog category, as well as receiving a reserve challenge certificate.

Cadi, as he is known, is one of three Cardigan Corgis owned by Brenda Piears, who has been showing dogs on and off for over 30 years.

A Shobdon dog with a difference also received a huge pat for her performance at the championship show.

Millie the Mastiff took her visit to Crufts firmly in her stride when she came second in the limit dog class.

Speaking of Millie's doggy family of eight, John Rischmiller, her owner and chairman of the Old English Mastiff Club, said although he was really pleased she had done so well, his dogs were pets first and show dogs second.

Meanwhile, a group of working dogs and their handlers, from Coddington, near Ledbury, showed off their skills at the renowned dog show.

The Whitfield estate team, consisting of Doreen Smillie, Bill Toame and Chris Guest, with their dogs Herbie, Gillespie and Guinness, took the 'pickers up' title in the gamekeepers classes, held in the BASC ring at Crufts.