It proved to be a day to remember for a schoolgirl after she and her pet pooch walked away with a top prize from Crufts 2018.

Dog lover Nicole Owles, 16, was at Birmingham’s NEC for the 127th edition of the world’s largest dog show.

The Emmbrook School pupil was taking part in the Young Kennel Club’s Handling competition.

Nicole was competing alongside eight-and-a-half year-old Newfoundland Cooper and the duo caught the eye of the judges, picking up first prize in the 12-16 years category.

An estimated 22,000 pooches visited the NEC during the four-day event, hosted by the Kennel Club, with a record 3,623 four-legged-friends from 49 countries vying for the chance to win the coveted Best in Show.

Visitors learnt about 200 different breeds at the Discover Dogs zone and cross-breeds competed for the Scruffts crown. This Friends for Life event reminded people about the truly inspiring and unique stories that show dogs at their absolute best.

And for Nicole, a member of Eversley Ringcraft, the chance to take centre stage alongside her beloved Cooper was something she had relished.

“I was not expecting that [to win],” she said. “I am very pleased. The result was completely overwhelming and I just didn’t expect it,” she said.

“Crufts is such an amazing competition and to win it again it means so much to me.

“No matter how many times you win it, every year it gets better and better every time.

“This is my fourth win at Crufts and this year it is the first year that I have won it back to back.

“I am so proud of Cooper, she will be getting extra spoilt.”