A teenage animal lover from East Langdon and her border collie have taken first prize in a dog obedience contest at the national dog show Crufts.

Emma Coyle, 13, and her pet Domino came first in the six to 24 years elementary class for dog handling (obedience) in the competition.

The St Edmund's School pupil said: "I was chuffed to bits and really proud that my dog had won.

"He didn't like the lights and flashing cameras, but he did really well and I'm proud of him."

Emma, who came away with a plaque and rosette, impressed judges with two lots of heelwork where six year-old Domino had to stay by her side while walking.

She also wowed adjudicators with one recall and two lots of stays where he sat and stay and laid down and stay.

* For more information read the full story in this week's Mercury.