A WOMAN has been left shocked after her dog won the best in breed crown at a prestigious dog competition.

Dawn Elrington, 49, said it was a dream come true after her four-year-old English pointer, Rita, won at Crufts earlier this month.

“I’m blown away,” said Dawn, a retired civil servant. “It is a dream come true. Rita has come top in her class before at Crufts but this is the first time that she has won best in breed.”

She is described by Dawn as a ‘couch potato’ at home but is eager to please in the showring and as a working dog hunting and pointing grouse on the North Yorkshire moors.

Dawn added: “Rita and I have a special bond and I couldn’t be more delighted with the win.”