A DOG owner from Southminster and his canine companion beat off the competition to win a prize in their Crufts debut.
Dan Cockett, 51, entered the prestigious dog show as a novice with his working dog, a Bavarian mountain hound called Bear.
Bear wowed the judges at the NEC in Birmingham to hold off stiff competition and qualify for the Best in Group showpiece on the famous green carpet.
Dan, who was thrilled to pick up the Best of Breed prize, said: “It feels amazing and pretty surreal - it’s only the third dog show I’ve ever been to.
“I got into dog showing through a friend of mine who persuaded me to come along.
“We’re not used to the show ring. He’s a working dog and normally out on the field with me.
“The experience has been nerve-wracking for a novice like myself, especially to get as far as this, so it’s still all sinking in at the moment.”
Although the pair were unable to secure a place in the Best in Show finale, they enjoyed a day to remember.
Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, was held from March 7-10 at the NEC Birmingham.
Viewers can catch up with highlights on Channel 4, and for further information visit crufts.org.uk.
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