A THORNDON Cross pensioner and Minty, an 11-month English Toy Terrier, proved every dog has its day, after walking away with a top award at DFS Crufts.

Minty was among 28,000 healthy, happy dogs at The Kennel Club's Crufts dog show, and was on hand to pick up the best English Toy Terrier puppy prize at Birmingham's NEC.

Owner Mary Wilson, 73, of Larchwood, is the chair of Okehampton and District Canine Society and is no stranger to Crufts, having won best of breed five times.

And Mrs Wilson — a former businesswoman — was left beaming with pride at her and Minty's performance on the 120th anniversary of the world-famous dog show.

She said: 'We are really pleased to win at Crufts because it's such a reputable show. I don't just have Minty, there are a few others and all of our dogs are special and of course they're all part of our family.

'Minty is a lovely dog who likes to play and she really loves her food. I imagine she'll get a special treat for performing so well at Crufts.'