'One-in-a-million' teenager up for Crufts award

Amélie has been recognised for her volunteer work and the care she gives her sister

A teenager from Derbyshire is in the final of the Young Person of the Year Award at Crufts.

Amélie is in contention for the accolade because she has already won the Compassion Award from the Young Kennel Club.

She was nominated for her volunteer work with her local dog training club and for her role as a carer to her younger sister.

The 15-year-old, who lives near Willington, is now up against three other teenagers for the trophy at Crufts, which starts on Thursday.

Amélie helps other dog owners prepare for shows

The annual award recognises young people going above and beyond or overcoming huge challenges to demonstrate their love of dogs, and encourage others to become a part of the dog world.

Amélie has been going to dog shows since she was two weeks old and showed a dog for the first time at the age of six.

She said the award was "completely unexpected" and working with dogs meant "everything to her".

"It's an escape, dog shows are an escape," she said.

'Absolute godsend'

Amélie plays an important role in caring for her younger sister Ava, 12, who has complex special needs.

Their mother Kate said: "She's truly one in a million, we have days where we don't quite know how we'd manage without her. It's not a life that an ordinary teenager expects to lead."

Amélie was nominated by Margaret Hooley, who runs Willington Ringcraft Club, where the teenager has volunteered for the past two years.

Ms Hooley said: "I was delighted I was able to do it, she's been an absolute godsend to us."

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