A PORT woman is ready to return to the world’s greatest dog show this week with the youngest of her canine contenders.

Jennifer Ferrier, 68, is no stranger to Crufts having taken three dogs to compete over the years.

Last year Jennifer made the trip to Birmingham with her five-year-old Affenpinscher, Diva and the pair claimed the runners-up spot in their category.

Now Jennifer will make the trip with Diva’s puppy, Lucy Lu.

This will be the first time that the 17-month-old will compete at Crufts.

Jennifer said: “To qualify you need to place first, second or third in shows.

"Lucy Lu got lots of firsts and I was delighted.

“I am hoping now she will follow in her mum's footsteps and maybe even surpass her success.

"This will be the biggest show she has competed in but I’m not worried.

“Nothing sees to faze her, she takes everything in her stride.”

Jennifer and Lucy Lu will travel to Birmingham on Saturday, ready to compete on Sunday.

Jennifer said: “It will be bittersweet not having Diva going with us but she has had problems with her teeth and they had to be removed.

“Despite her not going I am still looking forward to it.

"If Lucy Lu places great, if she doesn’t I am still bringing the best dog home.”

Also returning to Crufts this year is local woman Karen Munro and her four-year-old Lancashire Heeler Eric.

Eric has already qualified for Crufts for life after winning his first challenge certificate in May 2016.

Having won reserved best dog in 2017 and a third place prize last year Karen is looking forward to competing again.

She has entered Eric in the Open Dog category this year and will show him herself.

Karen said: “I get nervous but it is a great weekend away.

"We will be leaving on Thursday morning and staying for two nights.

"My friend and two sisters are going with us so it should be great and hopefully Eric can do well.

“If he gets one more challenge certificate he will be a champion dog.”