A LISKEARD woman and Bussell, the 11-month Japanese Chin, were top dogs at DFS Crufts less than 48 hours after suffering a dramatic car crash.

Bussell was among 28,000 healthy happy dogs at Crufts, presented by the Kennel Club, and scooped the prestigious best Japanese Chin puppy award at Birmingham's NEC last weekend.

However, owner Lorna England, 64, feared that wouldn't be the case after her three dogs including Bussell were thrown during a car collision on Thursday. Only a water bowl was broken in the accident and Bussell – named after famous ballerina Darcey Bussell – showed no ill effects as she put in a near faultless performance.

And Mrs England – who used to work for British Telecom – was beaming with pride at her and Bussell's performance against all the odds in the West Midlands. She said: "The dogs were thrown around a bit in the crash and there was a worry that they might be too shaken for Crufts but they are fine.

"I was worried she might be a bit shook-up following the crash but she got straight back in the car without a fuss.

"Bussell means everything to me, you couldn't offer me a million pounds to take her, she is just so special.

"She can be quite cheeky and she will put her feet on the edge of the table in the morning and wait until she gets some toast from me for her breakfast."