A SALISBURY Border Collie and her owner are celebrating after clinching the top spot at The Kennel Club International Agility Festival.

Laura Chapman, along with her four-legged friend, Endeavour, triumphed in the Medium Kennel Club Agility Stakes semi-final last week, a win which qualifies the pair for the final taking place in London in December.

The Kennel Club Agility Stakes is one of the top dog agility competitions in the world, and Laura and Endeavour completed the semi-final course – made up of jumps, weaves and tunnels – in the quickest time, with no faults, against 49 other top dogs and handlers.

The festival, sponsored by Skinner’s, brought together dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds over four days (August 7 to 10) at Rutland Showground near Leicester.

Competitors from across the UK and overseas took to the 18 rings to showcase their agility skills by weaving through poles, soaring over jumps and darting through tunnels in more than 250 competitions.

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Laura said: “Winning the semis was incredible and we are delighted to be competing in London in December.

“Endeavour can’t wait as she loves the crazy atmosphere – the bigger and louder the crowd, the faster she goes!”

Helen Kerfoot, chief canine officer at The Kennel Club, said: “A huge well done to Laura and Endeavour on their impressive performance and win.

“It’s fantastic to see so many talented dogs and owners taking part at the festival; it’s a true showcase of this amazing sport and the strong bonds it builds.”

Ben Skinner, of Skinner’s, said: “A huge congratulations to all the winners and participants at this year’s Kennel Club International Agility Festival.

“Watching these incredible dogs and their dedicated owners is always a privilege.”

Full results and more details about The Kennel Club International Agility Festival can be found at thekennelclub.org.uk/IAF.

For those curious about starting agility with their own dog, there’s an introductory video available online at thekennelclub.org.uk/newtoagility