An assistance dog stole the hearts of the judges as it won the Family Cross-breed of the Year title at this year's Scruffts.

Delila, a two-year old spaniel mix, surpassed hundreds of competing pooches to gain entry into the annual dog show hosted by the Kennel Club this weekend.

She competed against 23 other semi-finalists on Saturday to make it as one of the four finalists.

Delila was awarded her title by dog judge Nicky Ackerley-Kemp, as well as guest judges, comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan, as they looked for qualities in character, health, and temperament around other dogs and people.

The two-year old pooch is an assistance dog to her owner Francesca Cairns from Sheerness, who has autism and a heart condition.

She is trained to alert Francesca when her heart rate peaks or she has high anxiety. Delila also helps with daily chores including taking clothes out of the washing machine and opening small drawers.

The pair are now preparing to go to university in the autumn, where Francesca will study animal science.

She said: “I met Delila when she was a little puppy and she has been perfect. We work together and go to lots of training classes and we are now training to be an assistance dog team, and she helps me every day.

"I feel incredible, I don’t even have the right words – it’s all just a lot in the best way. It was just amazing for everyone to see how amazing Delila is.

"Seeing the crowd cheering for Delila made it even better, as everyone knew how wonderful a dog she is."

As well as the Scruffts Cross-breed Family Dog of the Year title, Delila received a year’s supply of healthy hypo-allergenic dog food from James Wellbeloved.

European brand manager Sonja Hartomo said: "A very well done to Delila and Francesca on becoming Scruffts champions, such a fantastic achievement.

“The bond between the pair was clear to see and we hope they enjoy every moment of being a Scruffts champion.”

Scruffts is open to any breed and took place alongside sister competition Crufts at the NEC Centre in Birmingham from March 9 to 12.