Crufts 2017: American Cocker Spaniel Afterglow Miami Ink takes top prize

An American Cocker Spaniel named 'Afterglow Miami Ink' has been crowned Best In Show at this year's Crufts.

Judge Jeff Horswell picked the two-year-old pup from Blackpool, who won Saturday's Gundog group and was handled by owner Jason Lynn.

With its distinctive long-flowing and tricolour coat and high-set tail, Mr Lynn praised the breed for its merry temperament.

The handler told presenter Clare Balding: "He's pretty special and honestly I'm speechless. I'm absolutely shocked and thrilled.

"This is kind of a special place to be and being here a few years ago prepared me for all the noise and excitement.

"Temperament is probably the hallmark of the breed - his happy, wagging tail and his charisma."

In reserve was the elegant and stylish Miniature Poodle, Frankie.

Owner Melanie Harwood congratulated the winner and said of her award: "It's a fantastic result - it was a wonderful line-up of dogs and I'm thrilled for Jason. To get reserve, I'm speechless."

Competitors in this year's Best In Show included a Yorkshire Terrier from Japan, a Lakeland Terrier, and crowd favourite the Old English Sheepdog, who won Sunday's Pastoral group competition.

More than 22,000 dogs from 56 countries have taken part in the 2017 competition, with the most popular entry among Labrador Retrievers.

Around 160,000 dog owners and lovers are estimated to have packed out the Birmingham NEC arena over the four-day event.