A Labrador cross who was rescued from almost certain death by a Bissoe-based charity has gone on to win at Scrufts, a national competition run a pet food company.

Nero was one of the many stray dogs that are picked up by dog wardens and taken to pounds where there is only a legal requirement to keep them for seven days.

If not claimed or rescued when their time is up, they can be put to sleep.

K9 Crusaders of Bissoe rescued Nero from being put to sleep as his seven days in a pound had expired. The charity then found him a new home with Mark Polmear, of Truro.

After a few weeks, Mark entered Nero in the “show ready coat” class of the Scrufts Competition run by Natural Instinct. Up against an “overwhelming” number of entries, Nero was chosen by Jenny Pitman OBE as the winner.

Mark said: “This has really made my year – I am so grateful to K9 Crusaders for their help with saving this lovely dog. He has bonded so well with all members of our home and brought happiness back to our house, following a sad few months. I wouldn’t be without him now and everyone that meets him when we are out walking, smiles and says hello.”

Their prize at Scrufts was a box of dog food and £250 to donate to a dog charity of their choice so Mark’s wife and daughter, Lynette and Esmee, visited K9 Crusaders to hand over the cheque to the charity’s founder, Sue Smith.

K9 Crusaders is an independent charity run entirely by volunteers. The kennels are always full, with a waiting list. Anyone who is able to offer a dog a loving home should contact them on 01872 560232.

“Each dog re-homed creates space so that another dog, such as Nero, has the chance to be saved,” said Sue. “Donations, including dog food, treats and blankets are always welcome as they rely entirely on these to survive.”