A SCHOOLGIRL is hoping her pet will be top dog when they head off to Crufts today (Thursday). Charlotte Jones, 10, from Christie Road in Stevenage, along with eight-year-old border collie Tanzy, is due to compete in the Young Kennel Club obedience class a

A SCHOOLGIRL is hoping her pet will be top dog when they head off to Crufts today (Thursday).

Charlotte Jones, 10, from Christie Road in Stevenage, along with eight-year-old border collie Tanzy, is due to compete in the Young Kennel Club obedience class at the competition.

The pair have been training hard for six weeks and will face 19 other hopefuls at the NEC Birmingham.

They will have to show a full circle of heel work, do a recall - when the dog returns to its owner when off the lead - 30 seconds of 'sit and stay' and a minute of 'down and stay', where the dog must stay put without any other commands.

Charlotte, who is in Year 5 at Ashtree Primary School, told The Comet: "Tanzy's a little bit dodgy on recalls but I've taken her out with some titbits and she was OK.

"I think I'm going to be a little bit nervous but mum thinks I'm going to be OK."

Charlotte says she will give Tanzy a big hug if they come back with the trophy.

"If she does win I'll be very, very pleased with her," she added.