TOP dogs from the area are preparing to do battle at the world famous Crufts this week.

Over 20,000 dogs will be fighting to be named best in show at the event, which starts at the NEC Birmingham on Thursday and runs to Sunday.

Among the local owners leading the way are: Mrs B A Williams, of Leigh (basenji), Miss James and Mr Chesters, of Leigh (bullmastiff); Mrs and Mrs J B Townsend, of Lowton (Cavalier King Charles).

Mrs and Mrs K Holding, of Hindley Green (long coated chihuahua); Mr and Mrs D Unsworth, of Tyldesley (rough collie); Mrs E and Miss L M Gibson, of Hindley Green (dandie dinmont); Miss C Watson, of Glazebury (deerhound).

Mr S D and Mrs C Stirling, of Hindley Green (Irish wolfhound); Mr and Mrs J J Swann, of Leigh (Lancashire heeler), Mr M and Mr J Smith, of Leigh (Lancashire heeler);

Mr and Mrs G S Pimblett, of Atherton (pointer); Mrs L Danson, of Leigh (Newfoundland); Mr P and Mrs B Gill, of Hindley (Papillon),Mr and Mrs G S Pimblett, of Atherton (pointer).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.