A TAUNTON pupil has qualified to take part in an exciting competition.

The year 11 student at Queen’s College has qualified to compete in the agility section of Crufts with her faithful friend.

Emma Stock and Athena have competed in various events throughout the year and, once all of the points are submitted to the Kennel Club, the top 20 scorers in the country go forward to the world’s most famous dog competition.

It is an even greater achievement as Athena is still young – only two-and-a-half – and this is her first year of competing.

Proud mum, Nicky, said: "Emma is absolutely overjoyed. We can’t quite believe she has qualified. It’s a life goal ticked off at the age of 15.”

Athena’s breeder, Fran Vesey, added: ““Wow, wow, wow. How fantastic, congratulations.

“I do appreciate the enormous amount of work you have both put in. Very well done.

“What a fabulous little dog – one in a million.”