IT IS the most prestigious canine competition in the UK.

Crufts saw a host of successes, including Fareham’s Marilyn Baker, whose three-year-old bearded collie Braidy secured the Best of Breed award.

But one Southampton man was sitting on the other side of the table, judging the competition.

Wayne O’Rourke, from Woolston, said he was honoured to be asked to judge the flyball during the competition, something he described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Wayne, 55, got into dog competitions at a young age, and said that most events were short of those able to judge it.

Wayne said: “It was many years ago now, and someone said that I should judge as once again we were short.

“I figured we had enough experience so I thought ‘why not?’.That’s how it all started, really.”

Wayne said he was asked by the Kennel Club, which organises Crufts, to come forward as a judge in the competition this year.

The British Flyball Association put forward a list of judges, that included Wayne, and the Kennel Club then asked Wayne to take part.

Wayne, who is also part of the Southampton Flyball Team, said he was “keenly aware” of the pressure as soon as he stepped out into the arena.

Wayne added: “I’m used to judging in a field!

“As soon you step out into that arena, see the participants and the cameras, you are keenly aware of the pressure you’re under.

“You have to get it right, it’s such a spectacle and an important contest.

“You’re on television for all to see too, so you can’t relax.”

Wayne began the racing, which spanned over the four days, with the final taking place on the Saturday with the young handlers, and the adults on the Sunday.

Wayne added: “I haver to say I have never experienced anything like it, and have been judging now for many years both here and abroad.

“It is hard to sum it up in words, apart from fantastic, brilliant, amazing.”

Wayne said it is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and said that while he would love to go back, most judges usually only get the one chance to enjoy the prestigious competition.