Kate and Gin and friends drop in

Britain's Got Talent stars Kate and Gin bow-wow-wowed delighted children at a Shropshire school when they dropped by with two new recruits in tow.

The teenager from Norbury, near Whitchurch, visited the new Shawbury Stars half-term club at Shawbury Primary School yesterday with her moon-walking border collie Gin and two rookie dancing pooches.

Staff and about 20 children were among the first to meet Kate and her expanding team of talented dogs, including Gin's companion Ice and latest addition Twist.

Kate and the dogs were in the village to lend a paw to the fledgling half-term club, which keeps boredom at bay for about 20 children aged three to 11.

Tracy Roberts, extended schools co-ordinator, said: "The children loved it and all said hello to the dogs.

"The children were asking questions and clapping when Kate and her dogs did their dances.

"They gave us a two-hour show and we got to meet her newest dog called Twist, which is a jack russell and poodle cross.

"We were very lucky to meet them all at once as they've only been together for about six days so we must be among the first people to have met all three dogs."

The club was also treated to a talk on responsible dog ownership from Kate, who shot to fame on the the hit ITV show in 2008.

Acid-tongued judge Simon Cowell heaped praise on Kate and Gin when they featured on the show, at one stage admitting he thought the winner might not be human given the pair's popularity.

Kate and Gin have been taking part in pantomime and Kate has said that she wants to open a school to train animals.

Speaking previously, the former animal management student at Reaseheath College near Nantwich, said: "Gin was a surprise one day when I came back from school.

"We just basically grew up together and just played in the garden together, learning tricks.

"She was such a naughty puppy and needed something to do.

"I just needed to keep her busy and the more I taught her the better she got at it."

For more details on Shawbury Stars half-term club and after school activities call (01939) 250323.

By Tom Johannsen