Crufts 2024: Ukrainian refugee dog Adriana wins award

Adriana beat 400 other spaniels to win Best of Breed at this years Crufts dog show

The owner of a dog rehomed from Ukraine and that has won a top prize at Crufts has said she "lives life to the full".

Cocker spaniel Adriana was rescued two years ago and won the Best of Breed award at this year's dog show.

Adriana's owner Michael Masters, 65, from Somerset, helped her beat more than 400 other spaniels to win the title in Birmingham.

Mr Masters said he was worried she would get "spooked" by the clapping and it was a "big achievement".

Adriana was rescued from her home in Ukraine when she was seven-months-old, after the country was invaded by Russia.

The Crufts dog competition sees thousands of dogs from around the world competing at the NEC in Birmingham

She spent time being cared for in Poland and Germany after her owner sent her away for her own safety.

Mr Masters, who works as a minibus driver, brought her over to the UK to give her a new life.

"Adriana was being pushed from pillar to post before I paid for her to come over, she arrived at eight-months-old.

"Despite her turbulent youth, Adriana is a very happy little dog who lives life to the full," Mr Masters added.