THESE two terriers are set to join the contest for the UK's perfect pooch when they head for the world-famous Crufts dog show.

The two cairn terriers, Timmy and Pixie, are the proud pets of owner-breeder Jackie Bradshaw, from Hessay, near York.

Jackie says she fell in love with cairns when she was "a little girl" and has kept them for over 50 years.

While she doesn't expect to bring any prizes home from Crufts, which started today at the NEC in Birmingham, she is really excited about the experience. She says: "It doesn't bother me that I don't think we'll do any good this year. It is just a lovely feeling to be involved in such a prestigious dog show."

One category in which Jackie does not expect the pair to win any prizes is that of most obedient dog. She said: "They aren't the most obedient. They are quite independent, but once you have had a cairn terrier that's it - you just fall in love with them."

Timmy's show name is Tweslam Magic Time, while Pixie's is Tweslam Gypsy's Spirit.

Updated: 10:51 Thursday, March 07, 2002