Sophie Wildig, aged 14, from Hednesford, Stafford, has won the Young Kennel Club Groomer of the Year award at Crufts on Friday 11th March.
Sophie and her five year-old Affenpinscher Cedric took first place in the YKC ring at Crufts for the coveted title of YKC Groomer of the Year, as well as winning her category for the over 12 years grooming clip/trim and strip. Qualifiers for the competition took place at Eukanuba Discover Dogs, Dogs for Good day and Scottish Kennel Club events last year.
To reach the Crufts final, YKC members had to compete in their categories for under and over 12s, for Groom Through and Clip/Trim & Strip classes.
Proud winner Sophie said: "I can't believe it! I was over the moon to win my age range but to then win the overall title is fantastic. I came in with absolutely no expectations - I have competed before but not in grooming so I was just excited to take part.
"I am so proud of Cedric; he was perfectly behaved out there and he looked amazing but there was a lot of really good competition today so I am really shocked."
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: "Congratulations to Sophie for winning Groomer of the Year - the skill and talent she showed was outstanding and we wish them the best of luck for future competitions."
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 YKC team on 020 7518 1030 or visit www.ykc.org.uk. For free downloadable images from Crufts 2016, please go to www.w-w-i.com/crufts_2016/.