TWO dog teams that competed at Crufts are looking for sponsorship to support them with future training and competitions.

Warrington Wizzards and Warrington Warriors, both part of the Live Wires Flyball teams from Sutton Fields, near Runcorn, competed in the Crufts 2018 Flyball championships.

The Wizzards placed first, with the Warriors reaching the semi-finals of the competition – which sees two teams of four dogs race side-by-side, running over hurdles, triggering a box containing a tennis ball, catching it and returning to the start to release the next dog.

Both teams are now looking for their next principal sponsor to develop their performance in national and international competitions and events.

Paul Astbury, dog handler and chairman of Warrington and District Dog Club, said: "Sponsorship would enable us to purchase new equipment to aid in the training of our team.

"As with any sport keeping up with the latest equipment and techniques is key to success.

"Our members supply personal commitment – travelling the length and breadth of the country, almost weekly during the competition season plus the training time, but Flyball needs an increasing amount of equipment and facilities."

Live Wires are now looking to set up a group of sponsors to assist them to obtain additional training facilities and resources such as, timing-lights, boxes, safe transportation of equipment and travel which will enable them to improve their competitiveness.

The team has recently invested in the long-term hire of a training arena at Sutton Fields, which will provide a sponsor, the opportunity to advertise at Flyball competitions, regular car boot sales, outdoor festivals and regular events hosted by Early Paws Doggy Day-care and Grooming.

The teams currently have sponsorship from CSJ, PhysioVet and TopLife (Delamere Dairies) who contribute to the prize and rosette costs for competitions that the club hosts.

For more information email livewireteams@gmail.com.