A foreign-based dog has carried off the Best in Show prize at Crufts 2002.

　　Nord Champion Topscore Contradiction, a three-year-old standard poodle, beat 21,000 other dogs to carry off the title at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

　　The animal, who goes by the pet name King, is owned by Mr S and Mrs K Glenna, from Norway and it is the first time an overseas entrant has won.

　　Foreign dogs have been allowed to compete since last year after quarantine laws were relaxed.

　　Owner Kari Glenna said she could not believe her luck when the poodle, a family pet, won the Best In Show award. Mrs Glenna said: "I don't believe it. I am very excited and very nervous. He is just a family pet, not a show dog. I never expected this."

　　King was judged best against a flat-coated retriever, a giant schnauzer, an Old English sheepdog, a wire fox terrier, a saluki hound and Pekingese toy dog. The Pekingese was awarded Reserve Best In Show.

　　Judge Pamela Cross Stern later said the winner was a glamorous dog that demanded attention in the ring.She said: "Constructionally he was very well made. He epitomised his breed. He was a poodley poodle."