A WEST Devon teenager has been hailed a 'joy to watch', after she hit the heights and achieved national recognition in a world renowned dog show. Amy Balch, aged 16 from Halwill Junction, secured two first place finishes in this year's Crufts dog show. Crufts, an annual international championship event, is the largest dog show in the world and is held each year at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. On Friday March 7, Amy came first in the Young Kennel Club Gundog Handler event showing 'Plymleigh Viscount Russell', a five- year-old Weimaraner, pet name 'Blue'. She followed this success when she was named National Show Handler of the Year 2008, for ages 6 to 16, on Sunday March 9. In this event she showed 'Plymleigh Lady Clementine J W' — another Weimaraner, aged three, pet name 'Pink'. She beat off stiff competition in this prestigious competition - a remarkable achievement for someone who has only been showing dogs for four years. Ann Toward, Crufts' judge of the national show handler of the year, said: 'Amy demonstrated all the skills needed to present her dog correctly and more. She came through the toughest class of the day and got better and better as the competition went on.' To win the competition, Amy had to present her dog correctly without over handling and fuss, while possessing a smooth and confident manner. She had to execute 'patterns' correctly, show an understanding of the correct gait for the breed of dog, demonstrate good lead control and show the dog, not herself. Ann said: 'She stood out in the final patterns, proving that she can think on her feet, demonstrating a smooth transition between the two patterns and moving her dog at the correct speed. 'She was very aware of me and her dog at all times. It was a lovely all round performance and a joy to watch. I wish her well for the future.' Amy, who used to show horses, became involved with dog showing through her grandparents, Patricia and Norman Bromell, who bred the Weimaraners. Amy's gran, Patricia, said: 'Amy, Blue and Pink have been placed consistently at open and championship shows throughout the UK during 2007, which qualified them to challenge for both events. 'On the first day we joined a coach of people from Cornwall and Devon heading to Birmingham, leaving home at 1am. 'There were nerves and excitement from all of us, especially Amy. 'She didn't expect to win both these classes, especially the national show handler of the year as the competition was so strong.' Amy's preparation for Crufts began many months ago and included grooming and conditioning the dogs, exercising them and doing plenty of practice. Amy also travelled up and down the country to compete in different shows in order to qualify for Crufts. Amy said: 'It's amazing, I wasn't expecting to win at all. I love showing dogs and I won around 15 of the different qualifiers across the country. 'It's the fourth time I've been to Crufts but there were still nerves and I felt the pressure to do well. 'I was surprised to win and I don't intend to stop now I've reached the top.' Amy now has her sights firmly set on winning the category of 17 to 24 year olds next year.