A BIGGAR man is celebrating after his five-year-old Gordon Setter James put his best paw forward to claim a prestigious prize at Crufts.

On Friday, James took a starring role alongside Annavale owner David Alcorn – walking away with the Best of Breed award and also being voted the fourth best Gundog on show at the NEC in Birmingham.

And after enjoying their own moment in the spotlight, David could not be more delighted with James’ performance in the West Midlands.

The 32-year-old told the Peeblesshire News: “It feels really good. 
“It’s the third consecutive best of breed for this dog at Crufts so I’m thrilled to bits.

“James is so easy to live with, he’s just brilliant. 

“He’s a very laid-back dog and very outgoing but he’s also great in the house – he’s so chilled.

“We always enjoy Crufts. It’s a show with an atmosphere like no other and just incomparable to anywhere else we go.”

Presented by the Kennel Club, this year’s Crufts marked the 126th edition of the show, which attracts dogs and owners from all over the world as well as thousands of visitors over the course of the four days.

It is the world’s largest dog show, with 22,000 taking part.