POOCH-mad Sarah Morgan from Frenchwood is on cloud "canine" after being picked to represent the North West in the junior section at the famous Crufts dog show next month.

Sarah, 18, from Selborne Street, Frenchwood, is a vehement animal lover - not only does she have four guinea pigs and a pet rabbit, she also has NINE Scottish Terrier dogs.

Sarah, currently studying for A Levels at Cardinal Newman College in Preston, said: "If you regularly show dogs and you're aged between 8 and 18 you become a member of the Kennel Club Junior Organisation (KCJO).

"I was picked to represent the North West at Crufts after winning a big event in Samlesbury last November."

Sarah will show her dog, Sally, in the 'junior handler of the year' and 'stakes' categories at Crufts at Birmingham NEC on March 8.

These categories will involve the judges looking at how she handles Sally, and her overall appearance and presentation, respectively. Sarah said: "My mum got me involved in showing dogs when we got our first one when I was 12.

"It's definitely a challenge looking after nine dogs, but I really enjoy it, especially when we take them and show them at events up and down the country."

"They take a lot of looking after and my boyfriend sometimes thinks I have too much time for them, but I love him just as much."

If Sarah comes first in the categories at Crufts she will receive a rosette to add to her already-large collection, as well as an all-expenses paid trip to the huge All Winners Show in Amsterdam in November.

But will this dog lover choose to follow a career which involves working with man's best friend? Sarah said: "It's great taking them to shows and events, but as much as I love them I wouldn't want to make a career out of it - I think it is best left as a hobby which I will always be passionate about."