A TRAINER from Otley and her rescue dog have ended 2019 on a high – by being crowned national trophy winners.

Sally Lawn and her Border Collie, Brig, have been named the winners of The Agility Club’s Large Grade 4 league.

The club, which holds competitions across the UK, is the oldest organisation in the world that is dedicated to the sport of dog agility. It has been running competitive leagues, open to more than 1,400 club members, for more than 30 years.

Members pick up points by entering their dogs in agility competitions during the year, so the animals and their handlers have to show consistency, as well as excellence.

Celebrating their win, Sally said it was extra-special given how Brig had grown since being adopted as a rescue dog.

She said: “Brig has come so far in the four years we have had him, from being an abused dog that was rescued from a life of misery, covered in fleas and mentally traumatised, to being the most loving family dog who enjoys his agility immensely.”

Brig also runs in the Wharfedale Woofs Flyball Team, which this year won Division 14 at the British Flyball Championships 2019.

Points secretary at the Agility Club, Nicola Ayres, also praised the duo’s achievement. She said: “The Agility Club leagues are a huge undertaking. Every year, thousands of points are added to the database, which all need checking, verifying and collating to give our winners.

“To be crowned the top handler and dog team in any of the leagues is an incredible achievement.

“Sally has done incredibly well with her rescue Border Collie Brig, who trains with Stardom Agility near Thirsk, to be crowned the winner of Large Grade 4 league with 462 points.

“She would like to hugely thank her trainer, Emily Fothergill, for all her help and support. Stardom Agility also came second in Division 3 and were promoted to Division 2 – with Brig’s help.”

Dog agility is split into seven grades, depending on the experience of the dog, and the leagues reflect the same structure. Each dog competes in one league each year and there are separate awards for veteran handlers over 65, and juniors aged under and over 12.

Trophies will be presented at a prize-giving ceremony in March.

Brig and Wharfedale Woofs have a strong local connection and are sponsored by Blue Barn and Cross Green Vets, while Wharfedale Embroidery in Otley provides a lot of their team wear.

To find out more about The Agility Club, visit agilityclub.org.