Corgis scoop prizes at canine Oscars

A LITTLE Blakenham dog owner is celebrating a major film award today but it wasn't her who walked away with the trophy - it was her five corgis.Canine film stars Poppy, Anna, Alice, Oliver and Megan appeared alongside Dame Helen Mirren in the hugely successful British film The Queen and today they were named “Best Historical Hounds” and “Best in World” at the inaugural Fido Film Awards on London's South Bank.

A LITTLE Blakenham dog owner is celebrating a major film award today but it wasn't her who walked away with the trophy - it was her five corgis.

Canine film stars Poppy, Anna, Alice, Oliver and Megan appeared alongside Dame Helen Mirren in the hugely successful British film The Queen and today they were named “Best Historical Hounds” and “Best in World” at the inaugural Fido Film Awards on London's South Bank.

Mrs Smith, a retired outside caterer, was due to attend the awards with her dogs.

Dame Helen, who is currently filming in America, said of her four-legged co-stars: “I know one should avoid acting with animals and children but these little chaps were a pleasure to work with and deserve all the plaudits for their fine performances.”

After hearing about her dogs' nominations at the Fido awards, Mrs Smith said: “At the time, no one knew how popular this film was going to be, not even Helen Mirren. We still can't believe how big it's got.”

Mrs Smith and her husband, retired lorry driver, Colin, were approached to help with the film after her dogs were spotted at an obedience competition by an animal consultant for film and television.

The corgis featured-prominently in the film, which dealt with the immediate aftermath of the death of Princess Diana.

They have since gone on to co-star in a BBC series alongside Jane Horrocks.