Annual Dog Show Crufts returned in full force this year with thousands of canines battling it out to be crowned Best in Show.

An estimated 27,000 dogs entered the competition, with more than 200 different breeds vying for a place in the final.

South Cumbria was represented at the contest, with entries from Barrow, Walney and Ulverston.

Mark and Lesley Higham, who live on Shearwater Crescent on Walney Island, were "absolutely chuffed to bits" with the performance of their three-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier.

Mrs Higham, who has entered their puppy Duke in three Crufts competitions, said: "Duke competed in the Open Dog category and came second out of 39 dogs which we're absolutely chuffed about.

"Staffords are an amazing breed to own and to be invited to compete at crufts is an honour.

"Overall he was the second best terrier in the country, beaten only by the top stafford.

"My husband trains him mainly on Summerhill Gardens and uses treats to teach him the rules."

Mrs Higham hopes next year, Duke will land the first place award.

"The Staffordshire breed was the highest represented breed with 370 entries but we're hopeful of getting the first spot next year."

Competitors Tom and Jane Graham equally had success at this year's Crufts show.

The Askam residents, who have been competing for over twenty years, entered their three Welsh springer spaniels in various categories this year, with all coming away with awards.

Mrs Graham said: "All three of the Welsh springers placed which was great.

"Marcus came fourth, Lennie was awarded the third spot and Vera came second.

"My husband and I were very happy that they placed.

"It's a tough competition. They were against nearly 200 other Welsh springers."

Ormsgill resident and passionate whippet owner, Nicole Searle, entered her five-year-old pedigree in the contest this year, calling the experience "absolutely fantastic".

She said: "There were 420 whippet entries this year and I put him in two categories.

"Although we didn't come away with anything, he did well to get into Crufts in the first place.

"12 months ago we nearly lost him so we've been nursing him back to health over the past five years."