NAPOLEON, we are told, described the British as a nation of shopkeepers.

In the eyes of most of the rest of the world,the Brits are renowned for their love of animals - especially dogs.

These photos from our archives bear out the truth of that statement - although there are some surprises along the way.

The 1969 photo of Angela Menhams and Kim is particularly cute. Menhams is not a common surname so we are wondering if this Angela was the one who grew up to work at the West Cumberland Hospital and who became a sea cadet leader-enjoying a lot of national success in competitions.

The photo next to that also features a familiar face.

Sandra Kirkbride was photographic assistant at the Times & Star for many years.

She organised photos for sale,set up displays in Workington and Maryport and, truth be told,she also organised the photographers.

She is pictured here in her new role as activities organiser at Stilecroft in Workington with an unusual pet.

Who's the boss? From the photo with the parakeet - it looks as though he is.

He certainly looks like the king of the world as Maryport celebrated the opening of a new pet shop.

A visitor from New Zealand was staggered at the number of dogwalkers and dogs he saw during an early morning stroll- and that was just around one village.

The number of dogs and, sadly,the number of irresponsible dog owners, is the reason that dog fouling is usually the number one complaint in any survey about our area.Surely the dog owners on this page are all responsible!

Rubber ducks feature twice on this page and while the young fisher girls, trying to catch a duck is cute, the photo of the gorgeous Lola and her rubber duck is heart-melting.

Summer is -hopefully-almost here. The agricultural shows and carnivals will be starting soon.

There is bound to be a pet show somewhere and whether you come away with a prize or not, your pet will always be top dog.