Dog owners to represent UK at world championship

Seven women from Warwickshire are heading to Portugal, along with their dogs, to represent the UK at a world championship.

They are all members of Agility Slice, a dog training club based in Brandon village, and form part of a national team of 38 dog owners taking part in the Senior Open Agility World Championships in Abrantes, Portugal, in July.

The competition is in its second year and is open to handlers aged over 55 and their dogs, whom they guide and train.

Agility Slice club leader, Jo Gleed, said competing in dog agility had become really popular: "It's a club that I set up a couple of years ago, and now I've got about 60 members who come to the club every week."

One of the competitors, Debbie Tedds said she was honoured that she and her dog Stitch had been selected.

"Stitch is my dog in a million, I love him and it's amazing to represent my country with him."

The seniors' team success over the last two years had been phenomenal, said Sue Chalmers, Team GB assistant manager.

"This is the second year that this has taken place. The first year was groundbreaking for everybody, all the other countries as well, because there's never been a senior event that caters specifically to people of an older age group."

Ms Chalmers added that the team's oldest competitor was 78.

"People that think life is over at 55, we're out to prove that it isn't," Ms Chalmers said.

Last year Team GB won the overall gold medal in the small dog category.

The Senior Open Agility World Championships will take place from 11 to 13 July.