Who’s a good dog? Gift’s a good dog!

The border collie came up trumps at the Kennel Club International Agility Festival last weekend, with her owner Shannon Springford winning a major award.

Shannon, 17, from Swanley, was named the International Young Handler of the Year for guiding Gift through a complex obstacle course in the best time.

Almost 3,000 dogs took part in the festival, which took place from August 11 to August 14 at Rockingham Castle in Market Harborough.

Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko described Shannon and Gift as “an inspiration to young people throughout the UK”.

“Shannon and Gift have fantastic example for other young dog lovers to follow,” she said.

“Agility is a fun way to bond with your dog, whether young or old, and is guaranteed to keep you healthy without even knowing it.

“There are agility clubs all over the country so we hope that more people will be inspired to try it for themselves.”

Dog agility shows involve owners guiding their dogs around a course consisting of tunnels, jumps, and other obstacles and is the UK’s fastest growing dog sport.

For more information on the festival and dog agility, or to find your local club, head to thekennelclub.org.uk.