A Gatley student has been nominated for a prestigious award at Crufts.

Lucy Hill was put forward by her mum to receive the Shaun McAlpine Outstanding Young Person Award at the world’s best known dog show, held at the NEC in Birmingham from tomorrow (Thursday).

The 19-year-old was nominated for the 17 to 24-year-old category for hand rearing her pure-breed pug, Dorothy, and taking part in many dog shows up and down the country.

The award is the highest level of achievement for the country’s young dog owners.

Presented by the Young Kennel Club (YKC), the award acknowledges those who have excelled through their involvement with dogs.

"It would mean a lot to me to win," said Lucy, who studies animal biology at Nottingham Trent University.

"It would be great to be recognised and receive an award from the YKC."

Lucy trains her dog at High Peak agility dog training club and enters three-year-old Dorothy in agility shows. She became the first ever pug to get an agility warrant title.

She added: "It is strange, a lot of people think pugs are not built for agility and would have problems with breathing, but I have shown that they can do it, they can compete on the same course that border collies run. Dorothy just took to it straight away, she loves it. First and foremost she is a pet, but she also does many showings and agility shows. She is a very fit and healthy dog, as well as going walking and rolling around in the mud, she also loves parading and showing off."

Lucy’s love of dogs began when her mum used to take the family’s pointers to dog shows. The family bred Dorothy from mother Xsara.

"I have grown up with dogs, they are part of the family," she added.

Caroline Kisko, communication director at the Kennel Club, said: "This award serves to highlight the fantastic way young people and dogs interact to perform such wonderful feats in society."

Dorothy – known by her showname Champion Barryann Lonely Girl with Calaquendi AW – will be competing in YKC showing, two agility finals and the normal breed showing at Crufts.

The Shaun McAlpine trophy is presented by Ed and Cindy McAlpine in memory of their son Shaun who was killed in a road accident in November 1984.

The overall winner will be announced live in the YKC ring to coincide with the Young Kennel Club’s silver jubilee anniversary, which celebrates 25 years of helping young dog lovers learn new skills.