Askam couple win two top awards at Crufts dog show

Tom and Jane Graham won separate Best in Breed awards with Rodders, a Sussex Spaniel, and Tilly, a Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Rodders was among 60 other top competitors whilst Tilly had to battle it out against 150 other dogs to take the accolade.

Jane said: "To win at Crufts was amazing, the competition was strong with many exhibitors from outside the UK.

"The show was very busy with many visitors from all over the world - the atmosphere all day was brilliant and by the time we got to the Group competition in the main arena there was a real feeling of excitement."

Jane with Tilly after the Best in Breed win (Image: The Kennel Club/Beat Media)

This was by no means the first success that Tom and Jane have seen on the competitive scene, with Crufts almost a spiritual home for the pair by now.

"Our dogs have been attending Crufts for the last 45 years," Jane explained.

"Tom has also judged at the event in 2008 for the Welsh Springers category and 2019 with the Sussex Spaniels."

The couple have won a total of nine Best of Breeds awards and 15 Challenge Certificates at Crufts to date, and they do not look to be slowing down anytime soon.

Tom and Rodders brought home yet more success for the couple (Image: The Kennel Club/Beat Media)

Jane said although the glory is a worthy pay-off for the effort that goes in, it can be a tiring world to become a part of.

"It takes a lot of dedication to win at this level, it is a hobby that becomes a lifestyle and it takes a lot of thought and patience to breed and select the correct puppy," she said.

"After that it is a case of the correct diet and exercise and grooming, along with training the puppy in the hope that one day it will be a successful show dog."