A SCHOOLGIRL is celebrating after her dog scooped a top prize at Crufts.

Kirsty Willis, 14, of East Law, near Consett, took her boxer dog, Millie, to the show in Birmingham at the weekend.

Millie, whose show name is Avcol April Love, won Special Yearling bitch in the boxer category and was shortlisted for the Challenge Certificate.

Kirsty, a pupil at Hookergate Comprehensive School, High Spen, said: "I am absolutely delighted. I have trained Millie since she was a puppy. This win and nomination is something very special.

"I used to show Millie's mother Molly, who won prizes as well, but she never qualified for Crufts."

Grandmother Avril Willis said: "Kirsty has taken it very much in her stride. When the result was announced I was cheering and she told me to be quiet so she could hear what was happening."

"For a 14-year-old it is a great achievement. And then to be shortlisted for the Challenge Certificate and join the line up with the best of the canine world. It was quite brilliant."

Kirsty was 12 when her dogs qualified for Crufts for the first time but did not win on that occasion.

Mrs Willis said: "Kirsty has trained Millie since a puppy. She takes her to the Consett Canine Society in Leadgate every Wednesday and she has help from dog handler Michelle Mould."

Millie won a string of top prizes last year, including best of breed at the Whitley Bay and District Show, the Prudhoe and District Show, the Sunderland and District Show and the Easington and Peterlee Show.

She was third in her class at the Scottish Kennel Club Championship Show in Edinburgh in November - to qualify for Crufts this year.

And for winning in her class at Crufts, she qualifies for Crufts 2005.