TOP dogs are the stars of a new Tyne Tees Television reality series.

Cameras went behind the scenes of the region's biggest dog show as canine competitors and their owners groomed themselves for the annual Darlington Championship Dog Show, which took place in September.

Among those featured is Gary Hooker, from Wynyard, who is not only an internationally renowned hairdresser but the most successful breeder of great danes in the country.

He has 20 champion dogs and travels with them all over the UK in search of more rosettes.

Marilyn Holgate, whose bison frises won a best-of-breed award at Crufts, also features in the show.

Suzanne Whittingham, from Gateshead, who has the top spinnone in the country, is also featured.

Ten-year-old Chloe Endean, from Durham, is seen entering the category for junior handlers with her golden retriever, Dillon.

Top Dog is on ITV1, at 2.30pm, from tomorrow to Friday.

Published: 15/12/2003