A dog-owner and her best friend have scooped a top prize at Crufts.

Sam, a four-year-old Jack Russell cross cavalier, was one of 22,000 dogs at Birmingham’s NEC on Thursday for the world-famous dog show, presented by the Kennel Club.

Competing in the Young Kennel Club's 18-24 jumping contest, Sam and owner Stacey Irwin-Burns of Blakeney Avenue, Peacehaven, won first place.

The 23-year-old, who teaches at a dog agility school, said: “It feels great to win and is a surprise.

“I injured my knee before Christmas, so this is only my second event back and I was not expecting to win.

“It’s pleasing because Sam hasn’t had much training, so to be able to compete and win feels really good.

“Crufts is the best show of the year. It keeps on getting better and improving each time I come back, and I’m already looking forward to next year.”

Watch Crufts online from 8.30am at crufts.org.uk.