A CANINE-LOVING Stourbridge schoolgirl is holding a charity fun dog show this weekend to help finance a trip to Europe to represent Team GB in an international agility contest.

Mariann Bayliss, aged 12, who was named Young Kennel Club Fundraiser of the Year earlier this year, has been chosen to represent the Young Kennel Club YKC in agility in Luxembourg next month after successfully completing trials earlier in the year.

Mariann, from Oldswinford, competed in YKC agility and flyball with her dog Ila at Crufts this year.

As well as taking to the Young Kennel Club ring at the world's biggest dog show - the year seven Redhill School pupil was presented with a trophy celebrating her fundraising efforts for dog-related causes over the last two years. She was also a finalist for the Shaun McAlpine Outstanding Young Person of the Year Award.

To help finance her forthcoming trip to Luxembourg where she will be competing in agility with nine-year-old black and white collie Frankie - she has been busy fundraising and has already raised more than £100 by holding a sweet sale at school.

She has also organised a fun dog show to be held on Saturday June 24 at St Hilda's Church Hall, Abbey Road, Warley Woods, Smethwick.

Stourbridge News:

The event, which will start at 12.30pm, will include classes for best pedigree and cross breed puppies, best veteran dog, dog with the waggiest tale, best cross breed, best junior handler, most handsome dog, prettiest bitch, best rescue dog, dog with the cutest eyes and dog the judge would most like to take home.

There will also be prizes for the dog in the best condition and the pooch that performs the best trick.

All entries cost £1.50 and they can be made at the ringside at 10.30am.

Mariann, who has trained several dogs which have qualified for the agility class at Crufts over the last four years, decided to organise the fun dog show to give something back to the community as well raising funds for her trip to Luxembourg.

Her mum Jolene Bayliss said: "She felt this was a great way to put something on for other people to enjoy as well as raise funds."

It will be the first time Mariann has competed internationally and she's hoping to return with a medal.

Her mum added: "She is very excited about the prospect of mixing with other young handlers form Europe, USA and Canada at such a high profile event."