KIDDERMINSTER Dog Club is aiming to mark its 10th appearance at next week's Crufts in style, as the team bid to become national champions.

The agility team, who have previously achieved three awards in the medium dog category and were the runners up in last year’s contest, will compete for the prize at Birmingham’s NEC on Friday, March 9.

They have been drawn fifth in the running order, meaning other competitors will set the bar.

Fish4Dogs, who have sponsored the club since 2009, have once again provided the team with a kit, polo shirts, fleeces, as well as food and treats for the competition dogs.

Team captain Stuart Milton said: “Although we can’t use food or treat during the competition, Fish4Dogs products are used during training to reward the dogs as they master the techniques of the hurdles, tunnels and contact equipment.

“It’s important to reward the dog as it needs to be attentive and responsive in order to make the turns and stops required as the handler guides it though each course.”

The team, which comprises of six trainers and their dogs, meet regularly to train the canines - a border collie, cocker spaniel, Shetland sheepdog and a crossbreed - competing with them all around the country.

The team is also contending in the Crufts event at Middlesbrough in October, and team member Steve Swankie will participate in the Crufts Medium Championship on Sunday 11 with his crossbreed Fern.

Senior marketing manager of Fish4Dogs Jo Little said: “We are really proud of our association with Kidderminster Dog Club.

“This is the tenth year they have made the finals of the world’s most famous dog show and we are again pleased to support their efforts to become champions.”