An impressive trophy should give people paws for thought when considering Kim Bundock's dog-grooming skills.

Mrs Bundock, 45, has been a professional dog groomer for 25 years, so it was no surprise when she snatched a first prize at the prestigious all-Scotland dog grooming championships in New Lanark on September 18 and 19.

She said: "I'm lucky that I've a job in my life that I love. When I groom dogs, it's almost like painting a picture. Dog grooming is animal art.

"I love it when a dog comes in all messy and you can bring out the best in him. The family comes in and are all happy because the dog looks so handsome, and he feels Jack the lad."

Mrs Bundock, who runs her dog-grooming business, Progroom, at her home in Wimborne Road, Southend, won the recent award in the miniature poodle class. She had only two hours to work her magic on Dexter the poodle.

The canine beautician started up her own business 15 years ago.

She said: "Basically, it's like hairdressing, just with dogs. It's very hard work. "You have to know a lot of dog psychology. You have to understand their body language. You have to know how to handle different temperaments. It takes practice and dedication.

"Nine out of ten dogs enjoy being groomed when handled correctly."