AN EAST Durham social worker and his German wirehaired pointer named Squire have walked off with a top prize at Crufts.

Seven-year-old Squire, who one of 22,000 dogs at Birmingham's NEC last week for the prestigious show presented by the Kennel Club, claimed the Best of Breed award.

Owner Karl O’Connor, 33, of Shotton Colliery, near Peterlee, fought off competition from a host of other dogs to scoop the coveted prize.

He said: “This is a dream come true, it was just great to be here and compete, let alone win.

“It’s the first time I’ve been here, I’ve always wanted to come to Crufts since I was a little kid and just to win is amazing.

“I’ll be on cloud nine for a while yet. I’m very proud of Squire and how he performed. Exercise just seems to make him happy.”