A TWELVE-year-old boy from Week St Mary is participating in the world’s largest dog show, Crufts, on March 8, 9 and 10.

Will Bacchus will be competing in dog agility with his best friend Aston, a six-year-old cocker spaniel. The pair have qualified for three events — Young Kennel Club (YKC) Under 18 Agility Dog of the Year, YKC Under 18 Jumping and YKC Under 24 Anything But Collie Agility. Will had also qualified his other dog, Rudi, but sadly the rules only allow him to compete with one dog.

Will chose Aston over Rudi as Aston has previously competed at Crufts and last year they made the final of an event and got to run in the main arena — something everyone competing in agility dreams of!

Aston has had a fantastic 12 months with his most notable achievement representing YKC Agility Team GB in competing in the European Open Junior Agility Championship, held in Luxembourg, against teams from around the world. Will and Aston gained a 9th place with their team and an 11th place in the individual agility.

Will, a student of Sir James Smith’s School in Camelford, said: “Agility is great fun and my dogs love it! I have made some great friends from around the country through agility and had some amazing opportunities. I am looking forward to Crufts and meeting up with friends and hopefully doing well.”

All ages can partake in agility and further information can be found on either the Kennel Club’s or Young Kennel Club’s website.