A BELSTONE youngster who is making great strides in the world of junior handling has qualified to go to Crufts next year.
Kathryn Andrews has only been showing for a year but according to judges, the 11-year-old Okehampton Primary School pupil has what it takes to go all the way to the top.
Kathryn's interest in dogs came from her mother, Julie, who has shown at Crufts in the breed classes three times, and since getting her own dog, Chloe — a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — 16 months ago, the two have been inseparable.
A member of Okehampton Dog Club, the youngster has been getting tips from fellow Okehampton dog handler Lisa Randle, 16, and has been placed near the top in all the competitions in which she has taken part.
Julie said she just seemed to be a natural: 'She has a natural affinity with animals and dog handling is not the easiest thing to do.
'It is very strict and needs a lot of co-ordination but Kathryn has been praised for this. She seems to have impressed the judges quite a lot.'
The family travel all over the country for junior dog handling and championship competitions and Kathryn shows, on average, once a fortnight.
'We have been to Wales and Bournemouth and the latest was at Ascot Racecourse where my daughter came fifth in the junior handler semi-finals of the year,' added Mrs Andrews.
'She has been asked to go to Jersey to compete next year and if she wins that she will be sponsored to take part in the European Championships in Finland.'
Her high positions have guaranteed the schoolgirl a place at Crufts next year where she will be competing against the World's top junior dog handlers.
Mrs Andrews said it would be a nerve-racking experience but one Kathryn would never forget.