A FAITHFUL Bury pet has reached the final stages of a national competition for dogs.

Four-year-old labrador border collie cross Deva accompanies owner Soraya Mody (pictured) to work at the Burrs Activity Centre.

She even has a title - Poop-Scoop Campaign Director!

Deva has reached the last 32 of the Dogs at Work Awards, a competition organised by animal welfare charity The Blue Cross. Soraya's pet was chosen ahead of thousands of others from all over the country.

Deva is now set for a trip to the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Thursday September 4 for the finals.

Winners will be chosen in eight categories and from these a Supreme Champion will be selected. Deva has been assigned to the Educational Dog category. Soraya, office manager at Burrs Activity Centre, said: "It is quite an achievement for Deva who has been coming to work with me since last January.

"The competition was aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of having a dog in the workplace.

"Deva has a job description and everything. She is a popular character in the community and well known by many pupils who visit the Burrs Country Park on school trips."

Soraya (29) learned about the competition during Take Your Dog To Work Day, a national event held earlier in the summer.

Deva wore a blue bandanna on the day to highlight the event. Pet owners taking part on June 27 were asked to make a donation to The Blue Cross and received entry forms for the Dogs at Work Awards.

Soraya sent a full portfolio of information on Deva including photographs and even a CV.

And it has certainly done the trick. Soraya and Deva now have a day out in London to look forward to.

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