ROSSENDALE animal warden David East has scooped national honours for his work to promote National Pet Week 2000.

But he said: "This award really goes to the people of Rossendale and not just me. I am just the ambassador. If people did not attend events and support the initiatives it would not be a success."

David has been the animal warden for Rossendale for 11 years working on contract from Watch Dog Services, of Atherton.

He started holding events to mark National Pet Week in 1992 and last year was awarded a prize in the best local authority category.

"This year is the icing on the cake," he said. "Not only have we won our category again but we have been selected as the overall winner from entries from all over the country."

A dossier of activities which included taking part in Rossendale Carnival and village fetes, holding a fun pet show at Haslingden, visiting schools to educate children in how to care for animals and running the successful Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme was submitted by David for the award. Last year the Kennel Club also presented Mr East and his team with an award for the work they carry out to encourage responsible dog ownership. And together with a team of handlers and dogs he was invited to attend Crufts to show the work the authority carries out as part of the Good Citizen Dog Scheme, and they will also be back at Crufts next year.

More than 200 dogs and owners have taken part in the Good Citizen Dog Scheme which is held at Bacup Leisure Hall.

Dogs and owners undertake tests to achieve graded awards and Rossendale has introduced its own platinum award for experienced handlers and their pets.

David said: "As a result of the publicity we have had we are attracting dogs and owners from different areas to the scheme and through their membership we have also been asked to put on demonstrations to people in Bury and Bolton.

"We get a lot of bad publicity about how some people in the North treat their animals so it is good to show that there are responsible pet owners and people here really do care for their animals."

David has been invited to attend an awards ceremony in London on November 28 and also asked to join the sub-committee which arranges fund raising for pet week and is looking to set up a web site to promote events.

Picture: John East and his dog Sophie with a previous award