Ugly, but it was a win

A 125lb gentle giant named Martha has been crowned the winner of the 29th annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest.

The Neapolitan mastiff was a favourite of the northern California crowd from the start, often plopping down on her side on stage with her droopy face spread across the ground.

She was rescued when she was nearly blind, but after several operations can see again, according to her handler Shirley Zindler. The prize was $1,500 (£1,170), a trophy and a trip to New York for media appearances.