Dogs from the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft areas have performed well at this year's Crufts - with three claiming prizes.
More than 19,000 dogs competed over four days at the NEC Birmingham to win one of the most esteemed titles possible for pooches.
Neville, a Leonberger from Great Yarmouth, and his owner Lee Studholme navigated their way to the finale on Sunday night (March 10).
The duo were crowned champions of the working dog group on Friday night - but were unable to scoop the most prestigious prize as Australian Shepherd Viking, handled by Solihull woman Melanie Raymond, grabbed glory.
Mr Studholme, 45, is well-acquainted with Ms Raymond from their time on the domestic dog-showing circuit and also close friends with fellow Norfolk handler Emma Herring, who hails from Litcham and won the Best of Breed category with her Mastiff Bertie on Saturday night.
The East Norfolk native was proud to fly the Norfolk flag on the big stage and hopes his exploits can capture the hearts of both his hometown and beyond.
Mr Studholme, who co-owns Neville with Kerry Rushby, said: “It’s excellent for our area – there were two of us in the working dog group that are childhood friends.
“It’s just amazing for Great Yarmouth and the area.
“It doesn’t matter that I didn’t win – Melanie deserves it, I love Viking and that dog is amazing. I’m over the moon for them.
“We’re all so supportive of her and the back area tonight felt like a family out there, so it was lovely.
“It’s been astounding, shocking, overwhelming and I still cant get my head around it – it will probably sink in when I get home and go back to work on Tuesday,” he said.
The final proved a nerve-jangling affair but after rigorous scrutiny from judge Ann Ingram, it was Viking – one of the pre-event favourites – who prevailed in front of an electric atmosphere in the main arena.
Mr Studholme vowed to use his achievement as a platform for greater things to come and added: “I never expected to get this far and I never go to a dog show expecting to win.
“You hope that you’ve got the best dog and the dog performs, and you just go from there.
“We’ll continue showing, have a good rest now and enjoy life.
“And then it’s on to the next dog show.”
Mary Solomon from Lowestoft won a Best of Breed crown with Thomas, a retriever, on the first day of the show.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Herod, 26, who works with rescue equines, and her one-year-old bitch Cilla placed fourth in their class.
The Belton dog owner only started showing one year ago and has been on an upward trajectory since with Cilla, named after Priscilla Presley.
Ms Herod said: “It’s been amazing, it’s gone really well, better than I expected for our first Crufts, I just wanted her to come here and have a good time.
“Fourth place in a very strong class, I was very emotional and overwhelmed, I was so proud of her, she did so well and was really well behaved."
She said that Leonbergers are the size of Shetland ponies so she feels at home and comfortable, with Cilla.
“Everyone is so supportive, I’ve met so many new people, I’ve made friends for life and everyone is cheering you on in the ring, you can hear that and it’s brilliant," Ms Herod said.
“It’s lovely to be surrounded by people who have the exact same passion as you, you get to meet everyone watching as well.”
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