A NANTWICH housewife and Tia, an eight-year-old Italian Spinone, proved every dog does have its day after walking away with a top prize at Crufts.

Tia was one of 22,000 healthy, happy dogs at Birmingham's NEC last week for the annual dog show, presented by the Kennel Club, and claimed the Best of Breed award.

Owner Nikki Whitlow fought off competition from a host of other dogs to scoop the coveted prize.

Mrs Whitlow, 47, was overwhelmed at her and Tia’s performance at the world-famous Crufts in the west midlands.

“This is the second time I have won Best of Breed, but it’s the most amazing feeling ever,” she said.

“I feel really emotional and it brings a tear to the eye.

“I won in 2011, but it feels much more special this time around and it’s an amazing feeling.

“Crufts is something that captures the imagination, everyone knows about it, and it will take a while to sink in that we have won again.”