A WORCESTERSHIRE dog owner and her 10-year-old collie terrier crossbreed Gracie proved every dog does indeed have its day as they scooped a top prize at Crufts.

Alison Hitchins, 64, of Alvechurch, and Gracie appeared on the iconic green carpet at Birmingham’s NEC and won Scruffts 2015, the competition to find the nation’s favourite crossbreed.

The pair qualified alongside five other finalists, having won the ‘golden oldie’ category.

Mrs Hitchins, a former education worker, said: “It all feels absolutely fantastic.

“Crufts is such a fantastic event and it provides great recognition for crossbreeds.

“There are an awful lot of crossbreeds around and I think they’re lovely, healthy dogs and they can be real characters.

“To have won the entire competition is honestly unbelievable. It recognises the value of an old dog as well, which is important – Gracie is over 10-years-old and she brings so much to my life.

“She took the whole buzz of the arena completely in her stride, she sat very calmly and took the experience in - she’s amazing.”

Mrs Hitchins was not the only Worcestershire representative to taste success either, with Kidderminster’s Bradley White being awarded the young braveheart of the year prize at the Young Kennel Club due to his relationship with labrador Sidney.

The pet aids the 17-year-old, who suffers from ADHD and autism, with many activities as well as boosting his confidence, although they just missed out on the overall Shaun McAlpine outstanding young person award.

Worcester Sixth Form College’s Katie Wallbank was placed first in the Young Kennel Club’s under-18 medium jumping competition with miniature poodle Teddy.

The pair also picked up the overall under-18 jumping title, leaving the 17-year-old delighted with their efforts.

“It feels great to win at Crufts, this is our second time competing and I never expected to win,” she said.

“We finished seventh last year and now we’re first, it’s great. I look forward to coming back next year and competing in the adult classes.

“Crufts is brilliant, it’s the biggest show and I have a lot of fun - I love coming here.”