DOGS with the waggiest tails and the prettiest eyes will today be crowned champion pooches.

But the silent star of Cotswold Wildlife Park's annual Scruffs competition will be Iggy, the assistance dog of one of the judges for 2016.

Scruffs judge Karen Williams suffers a rare condition, Ehlers Danlos syndrome, which means she cannot regulate her blood pressure or stand up for a long time.

But since having Iggy in her life, she is experienced so much more independence and freedom, something she hasn't had for a long time.

And tomorrow both Ms Williams and Iggy will be judging some of the county's star dogs tomorrow as they show off their skills in aid of charity Dogs for Good, the organisation that helped set Ms Williams up with her pet.

Ms Williams, who lives in Middleton Cheney, said: "Before I was blessed with the arrival of my assistance dog, Iggy, 18 months ago, shopping was difficult; so much so that I stopped going out unless it was really necessary.

"When I wanted something I couldn’t reach, I would wait nearby for an offer of help. As I'm in a wheelchair, the vast majority of other shoppers and staff looked above me or past me and walked on by.

"There were also people who stepped in front of me or leant over me without even a 'sorry'. Being so blatantly ignored and avoided made me feel unworthy and inferior."

She said when she got Iggy, people's perceptions changed of her completely.

She added: "He picks up the items I drop and presses the buttons to open shop doors and call the lift. Most importantly, being so much more independent has given me the confidence to go out on my own.

"Having him by my side has reduced my anxiety as I’m never alone and have constant reassurance that people will treat me equally.

"The best bit is people smile at us as we walk towards them. This means that I feel confident to ask for help.

All dogs are welcome to Scruffs event. Registration for classes, which takes place between 10.30am and 1pm, is compulsory and costs £2 per dog. Visitors can enter as many classes as they want.

Classes include best biscuit catcher, best puppy, golden oldie and young handler.

The show begins at 2pm in front of the manor house.