A BRAINTREE pup has been crowned one of the nation’s most handsome cross-breed dogs.

Monty the cockapoo, who is 16 months old, claimed the top prize in his heat at the Scruffts competition in Hylands Park, Chelmsford.

The contest is the crossbreed equivalent of the famous Crufts competition and sees dogs of all shapes and backgrounds entered.

Monty, who is a cross between a cocker spaniel and poodle, fought off competition from more than 100 other cross-breeds to claim the top prize and has now been automatically entered into the semi-finals of next year’s Crufts.

Judges marked all the contestants on four different categories, including personality, temperament and character, before selecting their favourite.

Three other dogs were also selected for the semi-final, having won prizes in different categories.

Speaking after the results were announced, Arthur Renault, marketing manager for competition sponsors James Wellbeloved, said: “Congratulations to our brilliant semi-finalists who have all qualified to Crufts next year.

“It was a fantastic day and we were impressed by all the entrants who took part.”