Ellis Hulme thanks his many friends and well wishers, at home and abroad, for their expressions of concern and good wishes for the future, during his current spell of ill health.

He was sorry to have to withdraw from judging Maremma Sheepdogs and Papillons at CRUFTS. It was a great honour to receive the huge entry of 305 from his own breed for which he thanks fellow Papillon enthusiasts.

It was a tough decision and huge disappointment to forego the pleasure of carrying out these assignments, but Ellis believes that it was in the best interests of all concerned.

He wishes everyone a happy day and once again thanks everyone for the marvellous support received, and looks forward to being back in circulation in the near future.