A DOG warden has helped put Rossendale on the map by winning a national award for his work in the Valley.

Dave East, who has been the borough's dog warden for 15 years, was selected for the award by the Kennel Club board for the Good Citizen Dog Scheme, which is open to all local authorities.

He has won a string of awards in the past, including first place in last year's competition and an award from National Pet Week charity for his work to involve local people in schemes to keep their animals in check.

Dave works for Animal Wardens Ltd on behalf of Rossendale Council and runs dog training classes to teach people how to communicate with their pets. He also gives regular talks to schoolchildren on what dog-ownership involves.

A spokesman for the Kennel Club said: "The Rossendale Borough Dog Training Club organises demonstrations of all levels. They have used this time to offer advice and encouragement to all ages.

"They were involved with National Pet Week with a Companion Dog Show including micro chipping at a local leisure complex.

"The events organised by Rossendale have been successful and, to David's credit, has had a good impact on the community."

Dave also hosted an evening with speakers about flower essence and crystal healing with animals and held a combined session of microchipping, reading and activities with a dog theme at a local Library.

He also presented a demonstration team at Crufts last year, made poop scoop bags available to people in the Valley and organised an appeal to send aid to Eastern Europeans.

Rossendale council has recently started using a Kennels in Whitworth since which no stray dogs have been put down.

Dave said changing attitudes to dog ownership in the area had improved "dramatically" during his time in the job.

He said: "The competition is getting harder because there are now more authorities entering each year. More than 200 took part this year so I am rather proud to have won this award."

He added: "There are fewer dogs on the streets and the dog dirt problem is reducing, though it's still there.

"I think the award is a team effort and we wouldn't have got it without the co-operation of the people of Rossendale."

Dave was holding microchipping sessions at Bank Street Pet Shop all day today. Dogs can be microchipped for £5.