A TEENAGER and her beloved dog Herbie are celebrating after sweeping up awards at this year’s Crufts.

Stacey Frost, 17, is toasting success after featuring prominently on the podium in categories across last weekend’s event.

Stacey, from Hadleigh, won the jumping dog of the year with her nine-year-old Jack Russell/Poodle, Herbie, as well as the pairs competition, with her partner Jack Ryan, from Dorset, with his cocker spaniel Izzy.

The teenager had recently travelled to Switzerland to compete with the junior British team, which gave her the opportunity to qualify for the world’s most well-known pet competition.

The 17-year-old’s mum, Emma, spoke of her pride at her daughter’s success.

Emma, who, who runs her own dog training and obedience club in Orsett, said: “I cried so much. It was massively emotional.

“To get to Crufts is a huge achievement in itself. Every single foot run she did was perfect.

“To get to three podiums at such a young age is unbelievable.

“It really is an amazing achievement. I actually needed pinching.

“She’s on a high.”

Stacey’s dad, David, also spoke of his pride at her wins on Sunday. He added: “It’s been fantastic.

“She absolutely adores her dogs.

“There are no words to describe what she has achieved.

“I’ve been lucky enough to see her compete over the years.”

Mum Emma added her business, the Essex Dog Training Agility & Obedience Club, will offer more opportunities to young people as a result of Stacey’s successes at Crufts.

She said: “Working with dogs really boosts young confidence.

“Kids sometimes don’t do things because they aren’t cool.

“Thursday to Sunday is all about her.

“She’s been so humble about it. She doesn’t like talking about her achievements.”

Across the Crufts weekend, Stacey had three podium finishes, along with a fourth place in the agility dog of the year competition.

This means that dogs who have been trained by Emma have all reached the podium at the dog show in the past three years.