MAN’S best friends from north Essex proved themselves to be top dogs at the world’s most prestigious dog show.

Hundreds of dogs competed for glory at Crufts with an American Cocker Spaniel named Afterglow Miami Ink winning the crown for the Best In Show.

But dogs from the area also snatched prizes and praise in the competition.

A Welsh Terrier named Wilma was among the winners. The nine-month-old puppy from Colchester took first place in the puppy- bitch category in the Welsh Terrier class.

Owner Jane Eyeington said Wilma is her first Welsh Terrier as the avid dog breeder usually shows gundogs.

She said: “They make lovely family pets. You just have to be firm with them and not let them get away with anything.”

Brooklyn, a Pomerian dog from Colchester, came second in the Pomerian category and was judged to be best male Pomerian.

The four-year-old, owned by licensed breeder Tina Holman, was imported from Russia and has won 20 challenge certificates at various shows.

Albie Munro, 12, of Sible Hedingham, took a second place with his 18-month-old Kerry blue terrier named Georgia.

Success runs in the family as Albie’s grandfather, Don Munro, is a former best in breed winner who now sits on the judging panel.

James and Jenny Abrahams, of Witham, also received the first challenge certificates for their Spanish Water Dogs. Jenny’s oldest also won first place in the veteran bitch class.

Lucy, a Swedish Vallhund, owned by Patricia Drinkwater, of Clacton, took top honours in the junior bitch category for Swedish Vallhunds. The 16-month old enjoyed her first Crufts outing having already won best puppy in other competitions.

Patricia, who is 67, has been showing Swedish Vallhunds since the 1980 and said : “Vallhunds are lovely, a big dog in a little parcel.

They like to be out with you and they keep you busy.”

Truffle is a Hovawart bitch, who came second in her category.

Owner John Caron, of Bradfield, has previously won best of breed for the ancient German working class dog bred for farms and manor houses.

Ray Ironmonger, of Wrabness, gained a second in the Bulldog bitch category for Abie who is two-years-old. Ray has bred Bulldogs and bull terriers for 30 years and said: “They are a lovely, family breed, good with kids, fantastic animals.”

Lynne Hawtree, from Frinton, who has been showing dogs since 1988, won a second in the open dog category with Flynn, a four-yearold Brittany.

And Bobby, a six year-old Pomerian, owned by Rihanna Brooks of Frinton, came second in the Good Citizens Dog Scheme.

She said: “Everybody loves them as they are small and cute.”