ONE of the smallest dog training clubs in the country has proved that size does not matter when it comes to Crufts.

Members of Barnard Castle Dog Training Club impressed the crowds and the cameras during their time at the world's biggest dog show.

Televised to more than 49 countries across the globe, the show attracted the cream of the dog world.

But the Barnard Castle club's members refused to be daunted.

The club's flyball team, the Barney Bullets, surprised even the BBC commentator Peter Purves by reaching the semi-finals, losing to the eventual winners.

Team member Natasha Davis was equally suprised.

She said: "The atmosphere in the arena for the televised semi-final was fantastic.

"The organisers had the crowd of over 1,000 people clapping, stamping their feet and doing Mexican waves to the TV cameras.

"The noise was tremendous and dogs have been known to freeze on the spot, but all credit to our dogs, they were totally focused and put up a brilliant show."

Despite going out in the semi finals, the Barney Bullets were invited to take part in a Fun Flyball Competition in the main ring, which they went on to win.

The team is hoping to do better next year, and aims to enter two flyball teams when qualifying begins in August.

To find out about free flyball taster sessions or the Barnard Castle Dog Training Club, call (01833) 637452, or (01833) 650445.