A CUMBRIA dog owner is celebrating after her trusty pet was awarded a first place at Crufts.

Anne Nevinson added another title to her dog showing portfolio with her nine-year-old pooch Midas winning the Best Alaskan Malamute Dog Veteran.

Mrs Nevinson, from Ulverston, travelled down to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham with her nine-year-old Ch Chayo Golden Touch Sh CM.

The international dog show is organised and hosted by The Kennel Club, and is the largest show of its kind in the world.

"It was a moment to treasure," said Mrs Nevinson, who has been joining the competition since the 2000s.

"He has won a lot of times in Crufts but winning the best veteran in the show was the icing on the cake."

The Alaskan Malamute, who won his class in last year's Crufts, competed against 90 other of his breed in this year's competition.

"I'm very proud of his achievements and would like to keep going. We are still waiting to see what the year brings us," said the owner.

"He will dictate when he wants to go but so far he has been loving going to the competition.

"It was a good day to see the other dogs."

In May, the Malamute will attend the Veteran of the Year final competition which is set to take place in Staffordshire. 

Midas also leads a 'normal life', explained his owner, as a working dog who competes in working rallies.

He takes part in one of the most prestigious sled dog races in the UK, the Aviemore Sled Dog Race.

"It is important that people know that these show dogs also lead a normal life," said Mrs Nevinson. 

More than 19,000 of pooches and their owners headed to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham for Crufts 2024, which took place between March 7 and 10.

The show featured a wide range of dog competitions, displaying their dogs' skills and abilities to adoring crowds.