TENDER loving care has saved the show career of Luna who won 'best of breed' for the third year running at Crufts.

The 11-stone gentle giant's future as a show dog was in doubt after a heavy cage fell on her leg at a Blackpool show in 2001.

Owner Sharon Parry, 33, of Gorton Well, off Cranberry Lane, Darwen, said: "At the time there was a real chance we would never be able to show her again because she would have a limp. The cage fell on her and she pulled to get free, tearing the ligament as a result.

"But after an operation in August 2001, she had swimming sessions, physiotherapy and lots of tender loving care to get her back on track. Six months later she won Best of Breed and this year she's done it again and we're absolutely delighted."

The St Bernard lives alongside ten other canine companions and shares some of the prize winning glory with her sister, Chocky. The dogs have collectively won hundreds of rosettes at venues ranging from Devon to Scotland.

Sharon's mother, Carole, is joint breeder of the dogs.

She said: "They take up our lives because they need so much time and attention. It can take up to four hours to groom them and get them ready for a show.

"They are lovely big dogs and a real joy to live with. We can't go on holiday because who would want to look after 11 dogs?"

Lincoln-born Luna will travel to Belgium next year to breed more champions for the Darwen mother and daughter team.