THE secret of one award-winning company's success at the Three Counties Countryside Show really is a shaggy dog story.

The chief public relations officer at Kingsland Garden Architecture is more likely to give you some sort of wag than any other salesman at the prestigious show - because, she is a two-year-old flat coated retriever, called Tsuga.

Company owners Peter and Charlotte Drake say, although people may think they are barking mad employing their four-legged friend as chief publicity officer, she certainly does the trick when it comes to drawing in the crowds.

The family-owned business specialises in making a wide range of wooden garden architecture, from compost bins through to stable blocks. Should Tsuga lose her touch, however, the company's quality control inspector for the stables is also a dab hand at gaining attention - because he is a 13-year-old Irish stallion called Maestro.

"We have a lot of people who come back to our stand year after year just to see the horse and our dogs," said Charlotte, a former event rider.

"Even if people do not want to buy when they visit our stand they will remember us. Therefore, if someone they know wants a stable or something for their garden they will usually remember the dotty couple with the dog."

The pair, who have owned the business for 15 years, have been exhibiting at the show for 14 years, displaying their range of wooden garden architecture, which includes swings, bridges, garden furniture and sheds.

Charlotte said, although people may think they were slightly nutty with their sales approach, they take the issue of quality very seriously.

"We use British and imported soft woods to ensure our quality is second to none," she said.

The couple walked away with two of the show's most prestigious awards this year. They scooped gold in the Trade Stand Awards and were also named Supreme Champion of the whole show.

For more details contact Peter or Charlotte on 01568 708206 or visit their website at www.kingslandstabling.com