A SCHOOLGIRL from Worcester has been selected to represent England in an international dog agility contest.
Violet Higgins and her six-year-old terrier, Chase, will compete for Team England at the 2022 World Agility Open competition being held in the Netherlands this May.
The Nunnery Wood High School pupil is set to compete just four years since taking up the energetic activity which tests the skills of handler, dog and their partnership.
And in further good news it has been revealed that the 11-year-old and Chase have also qualified for Young Kennel Club individual and pairs classes at Crufts 2023.
Violet, the youngest member of Worcester Agility Club, qualified for the international competition at Team England tryouts - against adults - last summer.
The pair had to be in the top 10 of the junior league to qualify for the UK Agility Grand Finals last October, where they won their class.
The duo train twice a week and are sponsored by Reef Agility, run by Mariann Baylis, in Stourport.
Violet said: “Dog agility is a lot of fun and I’m really proud of Chase.
"We’re training hard to show the rest of the world what we can do in The Netherlands and make Worcester and England proud of us.
"Going to Crufts is an added bonus and 2023 is going to be really special.”
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Trainer Mariann added: “Violet has shown the dedication needed to reach such a high level in her first year of competing and thoroughly deserves her place both in the World Open and at Crufts."
Other sponsors include Black Pear Apparel and Black Pear Physio, both Worcester companies.
Because Dog Agility is not classed as a sport it receives no funding so sponsors are being sought and a number of fundraising activities planned to support Violet and the team finance their entry fees, team kit and travel.
Potential sponsors can make contact via Facebook page Plaits for England.
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