CANINE courses and educational programmes have earned Rossendale Council a national award from the Kennel Club.

When he was invited to the Kennel Club's London headquarters, borough dog warden David East thought the council's initiatives might secure second or third place out of the 100 entries in the local council category of the KC's awards to promote better care and awareness of dogs.

But not only did he collect a certificate and trophy for first in the category, the council was also picked as the best overall from breeding clubs and registered clubs and walked off with the national shield.

David said: "This award is for the people of Rossendale because without their input there is no way we could have achieved such a high standard."

The Good Citizen Dog Scheme training scheme is run at Bacup Leisure Hall with the aim of training owner and pet. The next session starts on January 21 at 6.30pm.

David also visits schools to talk to children and encourage them to learn more about how to care for their canine companions.

Last May David joined forces with Stuart and Carol Thornley, who show Belgian shepherd dogs, to organise a hugely successful family fun day at Marl Pits with dog shows, agility demonstrations, pet shows and farm animals.

Besides the shield and trophy, David has been invited to take a team of four dogs and handlers to demonstrate in the main arena at the opening day of Crufts on March 11. David added: "I don't have a budget and so I rely on the support of the public and they provide lots of help.

"I am an ambassador for the borough but it is the people of the Valley who deserve the praise for what has been achieved and they have earned a pat on the back."

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