THEY'VE been washed, brushed and pampered - and now Gwent's entrants in the world's largest dog show are lining up for judging.

Today marks the start of the annual Crufts dog show at the NEC in Birmingham. More than 120 top dogs from Gwent will be among 22,000 canines on show during the four-day event.

The show is expected to attract 120,000 visitors who will see 180 different breeds of pedigree dogs.

As well as being a competition, Crufts provides the opportunity for charities such as Guide Dogs for the Blind to demonstrate their invaluable work.

Also on show will be examples of the important roles that dogs play in areas such as search and rescue, drug detection and crime prevention.

An example of the important role that dogs play in helping humans came in the immediate aftermath of the terrible terrorist attacks of September 11 in New York. One dog found and then saved the lives of five fire-fighters trapped in the rubble within the first few hours of the rescue operation.

The breed competition will start today with the working and pastoral group competition. The rest of the categories will be spread over the following three days to include terriers and hounds, toy and utility groups and the gundog section.

The best in show will be announced at the last day of competition on Sunday. One Gwent owner hoping for success is Lexie Thomas, aged 53, from Durham Road, St Julians, Newport, whose two Shetland sheepdogs, Rosie and Francesca, are competing. She said: "I'm looking forward to it but there's so much work involved getting them ready before going up for the event so that when you actually get there all you've got to do is give them a quick brush.

"I've been attending for 20 years and I don't hold much hope for winning because it is so competitive but it is the place to be."

Mark Hales, aged 34, a cleaner from Rhyswg Road, Abercarn, who has been breeding collies for ten years, was also due to be there today.

He was taking dogs Blake, Murphy and Willow with him to compete in the working and pastoral category.

Mr Hales said: "I have been going up for years but I am quite excited to be going up again.

"I don't think I'll be successful this year but I did win the Reserve prize, which is a bit like coming second, with Blake last year."

Admission for Crufts costs £11.50 for adults and £7.50 for senior citizens. Tickets can be booked in advance from the Ticket Hotline on 0207 518 1012 or bought on the day at the NEC.

*PICTURED: Lexie Thomas with her two Shetland sheepdogs she has entered at Crufts.