By Ray Duffill
A five-month-old puppy from Bilton was declared the outright winner of the Hedon Scrufts dog show on Saturday.
Belle, a cocker spaniel, won two categories at the competition held in the marquee at the Haven Arms: Pawfect Puppy, and the Dog that Judges Would Most Like to Take Home, before being awarded the Best in Show title by Judges, winning Belle the prize cup, a rosette and certificate, and other prizes.
Mark Lewis was Belle’s human for the competition and he was delighted to receive the prizes on her behalf. Belle herself was much too interested in other things to thoroughly enjoy the attention and was not keen to pose for her winner’s photograph.
However, Hedon Town Council staff member Caroline Addy hopped in and helped pose the reluctant star puppy.
Mayor David Thompson helped judge the competition, guided by guest judge Susie Wright of Little Haven Farm.
Other doggy winners included Poppy (Waggiest Tail), Ronnie (Best Rescue Dog), Archie (Most Handsome Dog), Nina (Loveliest Lady), and Loki (Citizen Pooch). Following the prizes, specially prepared bouquets of flowers were awarded to Susie Wright, and also to Alison Smyth from hosts the Haven Arms.
Compère John Dawson, complete with his own dog ears, entertained everyone with his humorous commentary and spot interviews of audience members, stallholders and contestants.
