Pooches who flew the flag for East Renfrewshire at the world’s greatest dog show had a successful time.

Among those who headed to Crufts last month was Barrhead woman Alison Gibson, accompanied by Nova and Akira – a pair of Japanese Spitz.

Alison has been a regular at Crufts since 2014, only missing out one year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and has enjoyed previous success there.

In 2019, her dog Kai scooped Best of Breed and, a year later, was named Best Veteran in Breed.

Nova and Akira, who are Kai’s son and daughter, did Alison proud this year too.

Judges awarded Nova second place in the Limit Bitch class, while Akira claimed third spot in the Limit Dog class.

Alison told the Barrhead News: “I had a fabulous day competing at Crufts. It was a long and tiring day but always a privilege to compete on the green carpet.

“Nova and Akira did me proud, as always.”

Also making the 296-mile trip to Birmingham for the show was Barrhead man Bob Lennox and his labradors Maya and Fergus.

Bob was delighted to see Maya, whose pedigree name is Wilenmory Collabro, secure runner-up spot in her veteran class, although Fergus, also known as Wilenmory Old Spice, missed out on a prize.

“I’m over the moon to get placed with Maya,” he said. “To be awarded second in a class of 32 other female veteran dogs is a great achievement. Qualifying for Crufts is an honour in itself.

“Fergus did me proud. He showed well but it just wasn’t his day.”

“It was a great day for myself and for Ferguses owner Anne McDonald,” Bob said.

More than 20,000 pooches from around the world took part in the annual show, which was organised by The Kennel Club.

Among the prizes on offer was Best in Show, which was won by Orca – a lagotto romagnolo owned by Sabina Zdunić Šinković and Ante Lucin, from Croatia.