Two Moray youngsters have proved their pedigrees by qualifying for a national dog handling competition for the second year running.
Seven-year-old Calum Taylor and 16-year-old Kirsty Wynn will parade their pets in the Scottish Kennel Club’s junior handler of the year contest next February.
The pair triumphed at a preliminary event staged by the Ross and Cromarty canine club this month, which sealed their place in the finals.
Calum’s mum, Jo Cockburn, said: “This is absolutely amazing for Calum, it’s the same show both he and Kirsty qualified for last year.
“Both of them have had to work hard, but they’ve both done a great job.
“Calum is quite new to handling, and Kirsty is like a big sister to him.
“She constantly helps him with his training and she has a heart of gold.
“Their win means they can’t take part in junior handling events at other shows over the summer, but they have plenty of time to get ready.”
Alves youngster Calum impressed judges with his handling of cavalier King Charles spaniel Jazz, and he will compete in the age six-11 group.
Kirsty, from Elgin, has been handling dogs since she was eight and will take part in the 12-17 section.
She earned special praise for her professional handling of seven-month-old golden Labrador puppy, Scotia.
Both youngsters are longstanding members of the Banff, Moray and Nairn Canine Club.
This week Calum will introduce Jazz to his friends at Alves Primary School as part of a speech on his hobby.