It was a case of every dog having its day for Otterhound Gossip as she secured a prestigious prize at Crufts 2018 alongside her Hillingdon owner Rae Ganna.

Five-year-old Gossip put her best paw forward at Birmingham’s NEC, suitably impressing judges to scoop the Best of Breed award on Friday.

That made it a Crufts to remember for her owner Rae, of Charville Lane, who joined thousands of other canine lovers in descending on the West Midlands for 127th edition of the world’s largest dog show.

An estimated 22,000 pooches visited the NEC during the four-day event, with a record 3,623 four-legged-friends from 49 countries vying for the chance to win the coveted Best in Show.

Visitors learnt about 200 different breeds at the Discover Dogs zone, crossbreeds competed for the Scruffts crown and the Friends for Life event reminded people about the truly inspiring and unique stories that show dogs at their absolute best.

And for Rae, there was no wiping the smile off her face as her beloved Gossip enjoyed her moment in the spotlight.

“It’s an honour. I was so nervous – it’s Crufts and you want to do well,” she said. “It’s so big, the best of the best.

“Gossip is lovely, she’s great. She’s so cheerful and always smiling.

“She makes me happy, she melts my heart. After my first dog I was smitten!"