A rottweiler cross stole the hearts of judges at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home’s annual reunion fun day and was crowned as the best Battersea dog.

Barney shot to fame after appearing on TV show Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs, where viewers saw how scared he was of everyone.

The four-year-old was brought to Battersea in December 2011 and was rehomed for just two days before his owners decided he was too big for their home.

Battersea staff helped build his trust and confidence and Barney found a new home with the Tuckwell family in Kent.

At the fun day on September 7, Barney was presented with the ultimate accolade and will now become one of the rescue centre’s Ambassadogs.

Barney’s owner, Ian Tuckwell, said: "I can’t put it into words how happy I’m feeling about Barney winning best Battersea dog.

"He was just so terrified of the world and now he’s a different dog to the one I first met in kennels. He’s come such a long way and I’m really proud of him. He truly is a Battersea success story."