IT proved to be a day to remember for one Birkenhead dog groomer after her pup won the Utility Group at Crufts.

Four-year-old Akita Chanel walked away with the title on Saturday, March 10 and secured her place in the Best in Show Final at the NEC Birmingham.

Her handler, Faye Bevis from Prenton said: "It’s unbelievable, I didn’t expect this at all.

"She’s unbelievable, she never lets us down.

"I’ve got belief in her but you never expect this, not in a million year, especially at Crufts."

Chanel also came first place in the Yearling category.

However, Chanel narrowly missed out on the Best in Show title to Whippet Tease from Edinburgh.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We are thrilled to see Chanel chosen as the Utility Group winner.

"Chanel and Faye should be very proud of reaching the prestigious Best in Show final – it’s an incredible achievement and one that not many get to experience in their lifetime.

“Crufts celebrates healthy, happy dogs and recognises the special and unique bond between dogs and their owners.

"Chanel is such a wonderful dog that clearly has a great relationship with her owner, and is at home in the show ring.

“Well done to all our fantastic finalists, the dogs and their owners and handlers should be incredibly proud to get through to such a prestigious final - it’s not something many people get to experience in their lifetime.

“Thank you to everyone involved for making the show what it is.”

Around 21,000 dogs competed over the four days for one of just seven places in the Crufts final and a chance to win the most celebrated title in the world of dogs.

Wirral doggy day care owner Barry Harris was also crowned 'KCAI Trainer of the Year'.

Studying for a degree in applied canine behaviour, Barry runs a doggy day care service and has been training four-legged friends for around 14 years.

Five finalists were selected for the award with Barry being crowned after a public vote.