Meet Mr Handsome.

That is the title rescued dog, Barney, bounded home with from the Castle Point Show after melting the hearts of judges.

Barney, believed to be two years old and a cross between a border collie and a St Bernard, also collected a string of other awards.

He was rescued from Acresway Kennels, Great Burches Road, Thundersley, last December by the Floyd family of Canvey.

Clara Floyd, 31, said: "We rang up the RSPCA to ask where we could go to get a dog and they directed us to Acresway.

"When we saw Barney sitting there looking sad, we just took pity on him. We think he must have been very badly treated before the kennels took him in, because he is absolutely petrified of men.

"When we put him into the show, it was the first time he had ever been among so many people and every time the judge came near, Barney just hid behind us.

"He sniffed the judge's hand and that was the closest he got. With him winning, it just shows what a rescued dog can do."

Knee high Barney was originally a present for Kelly Floyd, 12. He helped Kelly's brother, Scott, ten, come fifth in the best under 11 handler class at the show.

As well as being picked as the handsomest hound at the show, Barney also came third in the best rescued dog class and fourth in the best cross breed.

Handsomest hound - Barney with Scott, ten, mum Claire and Kelly, 12

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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