Pampered pooches at charity dog show

More than 100 of the most pampered pooches in the Midlands descended on Smethwick for a charity dog show.

Poodles, Spaniels and Boxers were among the breeds taking part in the competition at the Harry Mitchell Centre yesterday, and they battled it out the be crowned best of breed, most handsome dog and prettiest bitch.

The show was organised by Harborne-based charity the Friends of Animal Welfare and chair of the group Tina Stockton was on the judging panel. She runs the Linella dog grooming salon in Gladys Road, Bearwood, so was well versed on what to look out for.

Smethwick-born Miss Stockton, 52, said: "The dogs are walked around the hall and then stand so we can have a look at them.

"We are looking at things like their teeth and eyes, how healthy they look.

Then for the most handsome and the prettiest it's my own opinion really."

She added: "The dogs were all very well behaved, it was a good day and we raised a lot of money for charity."

She also featured her own dog in the show, a bright white and carefully groomed Standard Poodle called Jade who was walked around the hall by her father Jay Stockton.

"I usually wash and groom her every couple of days, it's my job so I enjoy doing it."

It is estimated the event raised more than £800, which will be given to local animal charities and fund care.