Young Agility Star Crowned Winner at Crufts

Tink, an eight-year old German Spitz, and Holly Ryan, aged 14 from West Parley, Dorsethave won the Young Kennel Club Agility Dog of the Year competition at Crufts on Thursday 10th March.

The competition, which was open to Young Kennel Club (YKC) members between the ages of 6-17 years and their dogs, saw top young agility handlers compete for the coveted title of YKC Agility Dog of the Year before Holly and Tink took first place in the main arena.

Proud owner Lucy said: "It's amazing to win, I did not expect it at all. My school friends are going to be so happy. I just love Crufts so much; there's the atmosphere and the fact that everyone is watching you and cheering you on - it's great."

"Tink is such a nice dog, she's really friendly and so nice to live with. Hopefully we can come back next year and win again."

To reach the Crufts final, YKC members compete in categories for under and over 12s, and for small, medium and large dogs, looking to complete an agility course in the fastest time at a YKC qualifying class.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: "Supporting and commending future talent like Tink and Lucy with an award such as the YKC Agility Dog of the Year is incredibly important. To complete a course in such a professional manner is very inspiring to other young dog handlers. Lucy and Tink should be hugely proud of their achievement; we will no doubt see them performing at Crufts for many years to come."

For further information about Crufts visit www.crufts.org.uk. If you would like to find out more about the Young Kennel Club and how to join please contact the Young Kennel Club team on 020 7518 1030 or visit www.ykc.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/.