A NORTH East puppy has brought a top award back to the region after competing in the world's most prestigious dog show.

Louie, a Bedlington terrier, won the special puppy dog class in the Crufts 2005 championship, at Birmingham NEC, which ended on Sunday. By securing a Crufts title, the 13-month-old dog followed in the footsteps of his father and two grandfathers who both held best in breed trophies at the event. Louie, whose pedigree name is Winfell Reward of De-Bussey, is no stranger to awards having won 15 open shows and three puppy championships in the region.

Owner Linda Bussey, of Spennymoor, said: "I am really, really pleased. We were confident because Louie is a beautiful terrier and the judge Viv Rainsbury said exactly that."