An Island dog owner was “over the moon” after her pets won prizes at Crufts.

Brambledown resident Christine Naden returned from the blue-chip canine contest with her eight-year-old, orange and white pointers having scooped first and second finishes.

Abbie came top, while Jamie ended runner-up in the dogs’ respective veteran classes.

Retired NHS administrator Christine, who lives at Poores Farm with three other pointers and husband Colin, said she was thrilled.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted because you go to shows with an idea whether a judge is going to like your dog or not – and I wasn’t expecting to have a particularly good day.

“But it was lovely when Abbie’s name was announced as winner.

“It got a huge round of applause and it was a popular decision because everybody liked my Abbie.”

Christine said victory marked a total turnaround in Abbie’s fortunes after the dog, aged six months, broke a leg.

She said an operation and lots of tender loving care returned the animal back to health.

To qualify for Crufts, which took place at Birmingham’s NEC arena, Abbie and Jamie had to qualify by winning a host of other shows.

Christine, who also ran Richmond Dog Kennels in Brambledown, said plenty of fresh air, the right type of food, and exercise were the healthy components to breeding an award-winning animal. “Just like humans,” she added.

Christine is hopeful that her rosette-winning canines will be in the running for a top placing next year, as the judge awarded Abbie a challenge certificate at a championship dog show two years ago.

To celebrate last week’s triumph, she gave the pair a champion’s breakfast of liver and bacon muffins and roast lamb scones.

“It was a meal fit for a king ... and queen,” she said.