A ROYAL Wootton Bassett teenager and her dog have scored a hat trick by qualifying for top dog show Crufts in three different events.

Millie Sawyer and Bichon Frise Shih Tzu cross Hunbun - pet name Honey - will be competing against the country’s best next March in agility and jumping contests as well as the team contest.

It isn’t the first time the youngster, 14, has competed at the famous show. She made her first appearance there five years ago.

Proud mum Jillian, who is head trainer at Corton Agility Training Society, said: “Millie and her twin sister Rosie have been competing since they were about five or six. They competed against adults before they were eligible for the junior classes at seven.”

Millie has been looking after three-year-old Hunbun for a friend since April, although she began training her earlier.

In fact the whole family has eight dogs, including two rescues, and competes with several of them.

It means loading up the car and travelling to training nights during the week and different competitions around the area most weekends between spring and autumn.

Jillian had thought the sisters might lose interest as they entered their teens, but their competitive spirit is still strong.

Rosie is also part of the young Royal Wootton Bassett team heading to Crufts.

She said: “I think they fell into it, but it is something they have been keen to continue. They are not pushed into it at all.”

Millie, who won the 12 years and over small dog category in the Young Kennel Club Agility Dog of the Year at Eukanuba Discover Dogs, will be competing with her charge in the Crufts semi-final.

She said: “I am so excited. It’s my first time entering Crufts with Hunbun.”

She doesn’t begrudge the time spent training and competing.

“It’s fun and it’s something to get out and about instead of just sitting inside,” she said.

Her friends at school often asked her about the competitions and were interested in trying the sport with their dogs.

She also has a group of friends that she meets regularly on the agility circuit.

Gerald King, Young Kennel Club chairman, said: “Well done to Millie and her dog – it was a tough competition and they performed really well.

"We are very excited for the semi-final and final at Crufts next March and we wish them the best of luck.”

He also praised the standard of all the qualifiers.

“Competing in front of such a big crowd at Eukanuba Discover Dogs must have been incredibly daunting, which must have added to the pressure they faced,” he said.

The show is staged at the NEC in Birmingham between March 9 and 12 next year.