Bill Bunce's love for dogs started in 1962 when, at the age of 14, he owned his first canine – a Golden Retriever named Benedict of Windytrees.

The 59-year-old Polegate man retired from his position as detective chief inspector for East Downs Division in 1998 after 30 years in the police force.

Bill has always lived in the area with his wife Margaret and in the early 80s he worked as a detective sergeant at Hailsham.

Despite having a successful police career, Bill still managed to find time for his passion and was first awarded Kennel Club Challenge Certificates and CACIB's in American Cocker Spaniels in 1988.

Bill spoke about his long career in dog competitions. "In 1983 I became secretary of the Home Counties American Cocker Club, and held the position for seven years," he said.

"I was the Dog World American Cocker breed note writer for more than 20 years and I am still the breed proof-reader for the Kennel Club Stud Book."

After judging American Cockers for more than 20 years, Bill will be taking his expertise to Crufts 2008 at the beginning of March.

He said, "I have been judging this breed for 25 years but Crufts is the real pinnacle.

"It is quite exciting and I am really looking forward to it.

"Crufts attracts people from overseas – dog owners from the USA, Australia and across Europe enter the competition."

Bill is also known for his work with dogs in the local area. In 1987 he was elected to the membership of the Kennel Club and from 1989 until 2001 was secretary of Eastbourne and District Canine Society, later becoming vice president.

He also served as a committee member of the South of England Gundog Club between 1990 and 1998.

Bill started judging dogs in 1982 and has since officiated in all parts of the UK, Ireland, France, Hong Kong and South Africa.

Bill and his wife Margaret share the interest.

Margaret is also a championship show judge and the couple have held the Adurni affix since 1982 – after successfully breeding award winning American Cocker Spaniels.

Bill added, "We are currently dominated by three mischievous pugs."

The Bunces own three generations of bitches – Wilma is mother to Tracy and grandmother to Desiree.

A few miles up the road, a Hailsham resident is looking forward to her 12th trip to the show with her two dalmatians.

Chris Cleland is secretary of Eastbourne Canine Society and has won first place at the competition on a few occasions.

This year she will be taking seven-year-old Fonzi and three-year-old Gunner to Crufts.

Chris, said, "It takes a fair amount of training and dedication and you have to be prepared to spend lots of time on the motorway – travelling to various competitions."

Willingdon resident Amanda Worrall will also be showing at Crufts. Her three-year-old Gordon Setter, Alfie, takes part in competitions nearly every weekend and Amanda is delighted to be entering the famous dog show.

Alfie has recently fathered eight puppies and Amanda hopes to train and show one of the dogs in the future.

Crufts 2008 will be taking place between March 6 and 9 at the NEC in Birmingham.

The show is open from 8.15am-7.30pm each day and is recognised as the world's largest dog show by the Guinness Book of Records.

Organisers expect almost 23,000 dogs, including 1,177 dogs from overseas at this year's show.