Young Kennel Club helps Lincolnshire girl achieve her TV ambition at Crufts
Award winner gets to work behind the scenes at the world’s largest dog show
Laura Stuart-Cook, aged 21, from Cleethorpes will achieve her dream of gaining experience in presenting the BBC television coverage of Crufts 2008 after winning an award from the Young Kennel Club (YKC). Along with three others, Laura has been chosen as a winner of the Shaun McAlpine Award, the highest award for YKC members, which will be presented at the world’s largest dog show, Crufts, on Sunday 9th March. As part of her award, she will also assist the BBC as they film the show at the NEC in Birmingham.
Laura, a reporter with a North Lincolnshire newspaper, regularly participates in breed, handling and YKC show stakes classes, and all her dogs have Good Citizen Dog Scheme training awards. She says of the opportunity to work with the presenting team at Crufts, “It will be great to get tips and advice from people who currently do the role which I would love to have in the future. I have a good overall understanding of all canine disciplines and believe I would make a knowledgeable and interesting Crufts presenter one day.”
Eric Smethurst, Young Kennel Club Chairman, said “Once again we are delighted with the high standard of entries received for this year’s Shaun McAlpine Award. We are always delighted to provide our young members with the chance to gain skills and knowledge which will be of value to them and the canine world in the future.”
For the past 20 years, Ed and Cindy McAlpine have presented the Shaun McAlpine Trophy and awards at Crufts at the NEC in Birmingham, in memory of their son Shaun, who was tragically killed in a road accident two weeks after his 22nd birthday in November 1984. The trophy is awarded annually to encourage young dog owners to become more involved in dog activities, as Shaun himself had achieved considerable success with his Great Dane Ch. Dicarl Tendellie and also acquired a reputation as a talented handler.
The Kennel Club has many links with the dog world and is keen to assist YKC members in achieving their canine ambitions. The Shaun McAlpine Award encourages young people to embark on exciting, challenging and fun activities within the world of dogs. The awards are based upon personal and social development and do not involve direct competition against others.
If you would like to find out more about how to join the Young Kennel Club or if you are a Young Kennel Club member and interested in finding out how you can apply for the award, please contact the Young Kennel Club team on 020 7518 1030 or visit www.ykc.org.uk.
- Date:
- 21-Feb-08
- Last updated on:
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