A ‘dancing dog’ and her owner have won first prize in their class at Crufts.

Lorna Syrett from East Budleigh and her five-year-old Border Collie Nora came top in the ‘heelwork to music’ freestyle final on Friday, March 8.

They performed a routine to the song ‘Into a Fantasy’ from ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’, in which Nora displayed her own flawless training as well as clearly enjoying the act.

Lorna said afterwards: “I don’t think winning has sunk in yet, and to be honest it might take a few weeks until it does! I went out in the ring just wanting to have fun with Nora and show everyone how amazing I know she is. To win was the last thing on my mind!

“Everyone that was in the final had worked so hard to be there and this showed with how wonderfully everyone performed with their dogs. Heelwork to music is very much a sport built on relationships with our dogs first and foremost and you could tell that from watching everyone in the final this year. Nora loves being in the big Crufts ring and really likes to show off for the crowd. Nora is not only my best friend but a dog in a million for me!”

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Congratulations to Lorna and Nora for their wonderful performance in the arena at Crufts. Heelwork to music is a challenging activity that demands a lot of time, dedication and skill. The pair perfectly demonstrated the patience and close bond needed from both the dog and the handler, as well as being a great example of what can be achieved.

“Lorna and Nora are an inspiration for any dog owners out there who are interested in taking part in this fun and rewarding activity.”

The pair competed at Crufts last year and came third in their class. They also travelled to Italy as part of Team GB in the Heelwork to Music European Open Championships; they came eighth individually and the team won Gold.

Lorna explained that dogs are not natural dancers but can learn a series of tricks and moves, and be trained to carry them out in response to signals from their owner. Nora loves dancing and performing for an audience.