A DARLINGTON girl is taking her pet dogs to a training camp this summer.

Joanne Irving, 12, will be attending the Young Kennel Club Training Camp with her labrador retrievers Fern and Holly.

The aim of the camp, based at Morley, Derbyshire, is to teach youngsters between the ages of eight and 18 the responsibilities of dog ownership.

Joanne, with 79 other youngsters, will take part in practical activities, including dog obedience, training, agility, flyball and ringcraft.

Seminars will be conducted by canine experts on issues including hearing dogs for people with hearing problems, guide dogs for the sight-impaired and first aid for dogs.

Evening activities will include a disco, a quiz night and a Pop Idol contest.

The Young Kennel Club was relaunched at Crufts 2002 due to the many developments that have taken place in the dog world over the past five years.