Celia's flying high after her big win at Crufts

Gretel Osborn, of Woodford Close, Aylesbury and four-year-old field spaniel Celia fought off competition from a host of other dogs to finish fourth in the Kennel Club Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition.

Celia was one of nearly 22,000 healthy, happy dogs at Birmingham’s NEC last week for the prestigious dog show, which first took place in 1891 where it featured just 2,437 entries.

And it is a special year for the internationally renowned show, which is in its 125th year.

And after seeing her beloved pet pooch put her best paw forward at this year’s Crufts, presented by the Kennel Club, Mrs Osborn was left beaming with pride at her and Celia’s performance in the West Midlands.

“It’s a lovely competition, because it’s really important for people to know about the breeds that are not in the limelight,” she said.

“I love coming to Crufts, so just to be pulled out was fantastic, and for that to go to a spaniel is unheard of.

“It’s also lovely to do that on the 125th anniversary of the show too.”

Mrs Osborn added: “As a girl I have loved this breed and have owned and shown them since 1979, so am thrilled that the breed has been recognised in such a prestigious competition at the Crufts 125th Celebration year.

“From first showing in 1980 with my dogs at Crufts to now I am just so proud and pleased to be able to do so and just love Crufts.

“I am also delighted that some other dogs that I groomed and trimmed for Crufts at my gretel-k9-cutz also had an enjoyable day.”