Veteran Baron was king of the pooches at Crufts show

A Seaham dog gave judges paws for thought at Crufts in 2000 and clinched a first prize.

Baron, a 10-year-old Old English Mastiff, won top honours in the Veteran Class at the prestigious show – despite being the oldest competitor.

Lyndon Scott, who has owned Baron since he was a pup, said: “The other veterans were all younger than him, but he looks really well for his age.

“He is still very fit and even the judge was surprised when she was told he is ten-and-a-half.”

Baron first competed at Crufts five years ago, when he also scooped a first prize, but has not been shown since at the Birmingham-based show.

Lyndon decided to enter him again this year because of his good condition and is now “over the moon” at Baron’s success.

Houghton woman Sheila Harbron had been to Crufts before – but never with her pet dog Jason.

So she was really pleased when her 20 month-old Shetland sheepdog reached second position in the class.

Doggone relief – that’s what Kirsty Young felt when her poodle won at Crufts!

It was the 14-year-old’s fifth time at the country’s leading dog show with her standard poodle Phoenix, but the first time she had got through to the final.

Kirsty said she has had Phoenix since he was a pup.