A DOG training club has narrowly missed being crowned champions at Crufts.

Barnard Castle Dog Training Club's Barney Bullets flyball team was knocked out in the semi-finals of the competition by the eventual winners, after managing to defeat some strong opposition in the heats.

The team's performance was its best so far in the competition, but they are desperate to reach the final, which they also failed to reach two years ago when they were knocked out in the semi-finals by the eventual champions.

All six of the team's dogs took part in the competition, which involves them being timed around a course carrying and unloading balls in the process.

A bus full of supporters from Teesdale travelled to the NEC, in Birmingham, to cheer the team on, but despite the disappointment of not securing a place in the finals the members were delighted with their performance.

Just weeks before the competition there were worries there would not be enough people available to make up the eight-man team, and two of the dogs were injured.

But they proved to be fit enough to take part and the team travelled down to perform in front of more than 2,000 spectators.

Team captain Joan Mulley said: "It is quite a daunting task going into the ring, especially with the wall of noise that hits you when you walk in. The commentators get the crowd to cheer and stamp their feet, but even above all that, we could hear the great roar that went up from our supporters when we went in, which was fantastic."

The team is also looking for new members. To find out more contact Ms Mulley on (01833) 650445.