DOG lover Pat Brown has had to wait 17 years to land her first champion medal at Crufts.

Pat, who lives in Whorlton, near Barnard Castle, has won major awards in a number of shows through the years, but a champion medal at Crufts has always eluded her.

Her success at the world's top dog show with her pet Dodge is the pinnacle of her career, and she is now hoping to gain more awards at the famous show next year.

She said: "Dodge has qualified for Olympia every year since he was two years old - quite a feat, as dogs cannot start to compete until they are 18 months old, and for some, getting to Olympia or Crufts is a lifetime ambition.

"At this year's Crufts, Dodge didn't disappoint, completing two heats before running in the main ring to come second overall, making him Crufts Reserve Agility Champion."

Pat and her dogs have landed awards at other top shows, including Olympia, the Pedigree Advanced Classic and Pedigree Highland Final.

She has won the Pedigree Chum Highland Final four times with three different dogs, and runs a dog agility centre near Barnard Castle.

To find out more about dog agility training, contact Pat on (01833) 627503.