A PHOTOGRAPHER has proved dogs are indeed man's best friend - after he and his border collie scooped a prestigious sheepdog trials prize.

Andy Nickless was ecstatic after he and his six year-old dog Glen were named the Moreton Morrell Sheep Dog Trials Society Novice Champions at the end-of-season championship event at Drayton Parslow in Buckinghamshire .

The event was held on Sunday and the duo were up against about 30 other dogs and their owners from across the Midlands.

Although Mr Nickless, of Kings Green Farm, Wichenford, and his partner Gill Watson have been training dogs for two years, it is their first year of taking part in sheep dog trials.

"I was absolutely ecstatic - it was a terrific achievement as I've only been keeping border collies for two years," he said.

"It's a highly skilled sport and I'm up against people who've been doing it for 30 or 40 years."

Mr Nickless and Glen have had a couple of previous wins at Stoke Bliss and Malvern Trials this year, but this is their first Championship win.

Now, building on his success, Mr Nickless has organised a sheepdog trials event on Sunday at Northingtown Farm in Sinton Green.

About 65 dogs and their owners are expected to take part, including world champion Aled Owen, from north Wales.

"For it to be my first event I've organised I'm pretty nervous about it," he said.