WORCESTER people showed fine form at the world’s biggest dog show.

Former University of Worcester student and paralympian Lee Greatbatch took time out from his London 2012 preparations to treat his best friend to a special doggy day out at Crufts.

Mr Greatbatch, who represented Great Britain at the Beijing Games four years ago, said his two-year-old guidedog labrador retriever Darby plays a key part in his training schedule.

“Darby and I haven’t been a team for all that long, but without him I wouldn’t be able to make it to training on time,” said Mr Greatbatch, who is hoping to upgrade his fifth place in China to a medal in London.

“The squad announcement for the 2012 team is coming up soon and Darby has been a real boost in my bid to make the team.

“We’re here at Crufts for the first time and it’s all been pretty crazy, but I’ve enjoyed myself immensely.

“Events like these show what a difference a dog can make in someone’s life and it’s great that it’s being celebrated.”

Meanwhile, Betina Adams, of Hill Furze, Pershore, scooped a best-of-breed award with four-year-old Scottish deerhound Scarf.

Also coming away a winner was Shirley Vincent, of Kempsey, near Worcester, who picked up a best puppy award thanks to her nine-month-old Italian greyhound who is named after former Aston Villa and Spurs midfielder David Ginola.

The Brookend Lane resident said: “Coming into the day I had hopes that David would go well, but to win best puppy is a fantastic result and we’re really happy. He’s only young, but he qualified last year so we were excited about coming here and competing against all the other fantastic dogs on show. His mother came third in the running for best bitch as well, so it’s been a great day. I’ve been coming for 40 years here and it’s special to win.”