BASKING in the sunshine, floppy-haired puppy Chester pants with pride having been named one of the prettiest pooches at Cotswold Wildlife Park's charity dog show.

The six-month-old Lhasa Apso was crowned Best in Show and Best Puppy at the annual Scruffs Dog Show today, which saw dog lovers parade their pets at the animal park in Bradwell Grove near Burford. 

Owner Nicola Gatley, who lives in Leamington Spa, said: "We just came for a lovely day out and it was so nice we could bring Chester with us. I'm a bit shell-shocked - it's a lovely surprise that Chester won. This is his first ever competition. We're thrilled and very proud of him."

Families brought their pets to the park for dog show classes costing £2, with judges rewarding those that impressed the most. 

Awards included best biscuit catcher, golden oldie and young handler.

Dog show judge Karen Williams, who brought along her assistance dog Iggy, said: "It was good fun. No matter what dogs you judge as being best, you always go home with the best dog."

Iggy met Ms Williams through Dogs for Good, a charity which trains dogs to live and work with disabled adults and autistic children to increase their independence. 

Today's event raised £500 for the charity, which was selected as the recipient of the show's proceeds for the third consecutive year. 

Chester and his owner won a champion rosette and a year-long adoption package for a penguin through the park's animal adoption scheme.

Cotswold Wildlife Park has been dog-friendly since its opening in 1970 and has been awarded the Kennel Club's award for 'most dog-friendly day out in the UK' for two years running.