Bingley ferrets take top titles at national championship

Ferrets Chaos (left) and Riot won two titles at the championship in Birmingham

A woman has scooped two top prizes at a national competition described as the "Crufts of the ferret world".

Stefanie Peel and her critters Chaos and Riot beat hundreds of competitors to win the National Ferret Championship (NFC) in Birmingham on Sunday.

The Bingley business owner said she was the first to win across both the adult and kit (baby ferret) categories.

Ms Peel told the BBC she did not expect the victory and was "over the moon" to win.

To enter the NFC, ferrets first have to win a qualifying show where they compete against thousands of others from across the country.

To find the overall champion, judges award points based on the animals' characteristics such as eyes, teeth and temperament.

Chaos and Riot scored 70/70 and 69/70 points respectively, with Chaos crowned the National Champion and Riot the National Kit Champion.

"I am over the moon, they have blown me away, I cannot ask anything more, I didn't expect it," said Ms Peel, who runs Stef's Pet Pantry.

"To come away with the two top titles for the national ferret show has blown my mind."

Stefanie Peel said she was "over the moon"

Chaos, who is nearly two, will now enjoy "semi-retirement", Ms Peel said, while 10-month-old Riot will defend the Best Kit in Show title and aim to qualify for future championships.

Ms Peel, who has had ferrets since she was a child, said they were underrated pets.

"They are great fun for the whole family and I've taken it a level further because I like to show mine," Ms Peel said.

"They are keeping me busy at the weekend."