gundogs

This wonderful story demonstrates at what an early age rural resilience self reliance starts in some communities. It tells us:

A four-year-old girl has made history after showcasing her gundog handling abilities to judges across the country.

Ellie Close, from Oughtershaw, North Yorkshire, has become the youngest person to qualify for the Great Wall Motor World Series Gundog Junior Handling Championship at Weston Park, Shropshire.

However, Ellie was unable to compete alongside the 16 other juniors, who ranged from eight to fifteen years old, because her dog Molly was in season.

Louise Close, Ellie’s mother, said: “She was very disappointed, as her dad had also qualified for the adult competition, but she understood why.”

Ellie received a rosette for her qualification and was recognised as the youngest person to ever to qualify for the final.