THE Whitchurch and Sampford Spiney family dog show held on Plasterdown by kind permission of Mr and Mrs M Doidge in conjunction with the sheep dog trials was once again rated a great success.

14 different classes made up the show and 'the dog with the most appealing eyes' proved the most popular class attracting 19 entries. Local vet and long standing judge Chris Warren did a great job again this year thoroughly inspecting each and every dog.

Show champion — open to all first prize winners was Phin, a four year old Irish Setter with a placid temperament belonging to Janet Bell of Langstone Manor, Moortown, Tavistock. Phin had qualified in the best sporting class and also took the best pairs class along with Rhu. Phin is not unaccustomed to the showing world having been shown at such prestigious shows as the Royal Cornwall. Reserve champion went to a small dog called Charlie belonging to Jenny Symons of Tavistock. Charlie qualified in class six, non sporting.

Running alongside the family dog show was an agility class organised by Megan Fell. The committee invested in some new agility equipment, this made for a fun and interesting course and all those who took part thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The eventual winner was Megan from Tavistock with her family dog Ruby an 18 month-old black labrador in a time of 55 seconds.

Terrier racing was introduced again this year and those participating had a whale of a time.

All proceeds from the event go to Whitchurch and Sampford Spiney churches.