A team of dog owners representing the North of England have won the Inter-Regional Obedience Team Event on Thursday 10th March at the world's greatest dog show, Crufts.
The Northern team beat the six other regions from across the UK: Scotland, Midlands, Western, Southern, Wales and Northern Ireland.
All five levels of obedience competition were on show, with a range of breeds and competition levels in obedience. Each team had seven handlers and dogs competing to win for their region.
Pat Wilson, team manager said of the team's fantastic win: "To say the Northern team were pleased is a gross understatement!
"I am so proud of each and every one of the team but this isn't a one man band - I could not have done this job without the fantastic support I always receive from my two co-selectors, Fiona Holdsworth and Kathy Russell."
The following competitors were part of the winning Northern team:
- Elspeth Brown and Border Collie, Tia
- Pamela Sullivan and her German Shepherd cross Golden Retriever, Mackie
- Rosie Colwood and her Giant Schnauzer, Kitty
- Jayne Jenks and her Border Collie cross Large Munsterlander, Para
- Claire Charlton and her German Shepherd, Zhuri
- Gillian Strickleton and her Border Collie, Mikey
- Jeny Miller and her German Shepherd cross Border Collie, Chello
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: "Well done to the Northern team, who are all fantastic representatives of the region's dogs.
"The Inter-Regional team event showcased the dedication of dogs and handlers to compete and be successful in obedience. This competition has run for many years and the teams work hard to do their best. It is always a closely fought event."
Crufts took place from 10th - 13th March 2016 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The results for Crufts 2016 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk. For free downloadable images from Crufts 2016, please go to www.w-w-i.com/crufts_2016/.