A man and his dog have been recognised for their talent at an internationally-acclaimed competition.

Les Pearce and his three-year-old cocker spaniel Fire competed at the world’s largest dog show, Crufts, earlier this month.

After qualifying for the prestigious event last May, Prestwich-born Les took part in the competition for the first time ever.

The pair competed in the agility championship, finishing in second in the initial agility round, and third overall.

This part of competition is open to grade seven dogs, meaning only the most experienced dogs and handlers may take part.

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As well as training dogs to compete in agility competitions, Les also runs Growling Groomers Doggy Day Care on Egremont Close in Whitefield.

He said that competing at Crufts, which was broadcast on Channel 4 throughout last week, was a nerve-wracking but positive experience.

He said: “It was really good but I was really nervous at the beginning.

“It was really good experience do it with the thousands of people in the arena and the people watching on Channel 4.

“I was nervous at first but I soon got used to it.”

Les, who now lives in Rawtenstall, was joined by friends and family, including his partner and stepdaughter, who were there to cheer him during the event.

He says his phone was “on fire” with congratulations from other agility trainers once they found out he had made the finals after two qualifying rounds.

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After committing a few errors, including forgetting his way around the course and tripping over, he didn’t expect to eventually finish third behind two professional dog trainers, including former Britain’s Got Talent contestant Ashley Butler.

“I was happy just to make the final to be honest.

“With the run that I did I was a it gutted to forget my way but I was really happy to get third and make the final.”

Les says that competing at Crufts is the dream for every dog agility trainer and next year he hopes to compete with Fire, or another of his dogs.

“I’m going to try and qualify for next year,” he added.

“Fire is only three with many years left in him.”