A YOUNG show dog has brought a Crufts prize back to the region for the second successive year.

Louie, a two-year-old from Middlestone Moor, near Spennymoor, County Durham, was reserve best dog in the Bedlington terrier section in this year's event, in Birmingham.

Last year, his first Crufts championship, he won the puppy dog class, and won 28 of the 31 shows he was entered in.

His Crufts success sees him follow in the paw prints of his father and grandfather, who both won trophies at the event.

Owner Linda Bussey said: "When we were going to Crufts, I was hopeful he would win his class. But to win his class and then challenge the other dogs and win reserve best dog has just topped it off.

"He is a loving pet first and foremost, not just a show dog, but he is an amazing showman."

Judge Chris Pick described Louie as a beautiful dog.

Mrs Bussey said: "He is still only young so we have got high hopes for next year. Hopefully he can win it next time."

Meanwhile, the Teesdale Bombers flyball team is celebrating after it reached the semi-finals of the Crufts Pedigree Flyball competition, in which dogs leap hurdles in a timed relay race.

Kathy Harris, who took part with her dog, Dill, said they enjoyed themselves, but thought they were unlucky not to progress further.

She said: "We had the misfortune to draw Nuneaton Titans, who had won the competition for the last three years and were favourites to win again, so we were beaten in the semis. Many of the members of the Teesdale Flyball Club travelled to Birmingham to support the Bombers."

The club is now preparing for next year's qualifiers, which will start in May.

The club has more than 30 members, who train at Norwood Riding School, Ramshaw. To join, call Anne Spiby on (01833) 638584.