A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy with a talent for making his four-legged friend jump through hoops has fought off competition from more than 800 children to land a place on a television show.

Freddie Adams, of Great Cornard, near Sudbury, and his canine companion 18-month-old Border Collie JJ, will appear on the children’s BBC programme Who Let the Dogs Out? later this year.

Wells Hall Primary School, Great Cornard, pupil Freddie applied to appear on the show in January and was picked to attend an audition with hundreds of other hopefuls in Uxbridge where the talented duo demonstrated basic commands such as sit, stay, roll-over and leg weaves.

After a three-week wait, Freddie received the good news that they had made it through to the final 80, and they travelled to Manchester for the “try-outs”.

Freddie’s proud mother Pam Adams said: “They had to show the presenter and film crew what tricks they had learnt – such as standing on a box, jumping through hoops and walking around a cane – and they had to do a routine to music.

“After that, they waited five long days before we were told they had been successful and would be appearing on the show.”

As part of the programme, Freddie has a shot at becoming Who Let the Dogs Out? champion – Britain’s best young dog trainer.

Freddie is currently working with JJ twice a week to polish their three-minute routine for the show.

He said: “JJ is really quick and she has picked it up very well.

“She is a great character and never lets me down. I am sure she will not be put off by the cameras. I am really proud of her.”

JJ belongs to dog trainer Jacqui Woods of Ace Agility in Glemsford, who taught Freddie the basics and recognised his talent.

The show is expected to be broadcast in the summer.