A DOG lover has made it to the top five for a prestigious Kennel Club trainer award for her work in helping others get the best out of man’s best friend.

Caroline Penistone, from Northallerton, is one of five finalists for the Kennel Club Accredited Instructors Trainer of the Year Award, which will be announced at a ceremony at Crufts in March.

The award recognises the outstanding talents of dog training instructors, who have made a positive difference to the lives of dog owners and their dogs.

Ms Penistone grew up with dogs and started walking a neighbour’s pet as a youngster, which confirmed her love of the animal.

She eventually rehomed the dog she walked as a child, which started her love of training, fun agility, gundog work and fun dog shows.

As an adult, she found people would ask how her four dogs walked so nicely together, leading to her giving advice and one-to-one sessions, and finally running small classes with profit given to local dog rescues centres, while gaining a degree in canine behaviour and training.

She said: “To become a finalist is so exciting. Initially I was shocked and could not believe ‘little old me’ had got so far, but I feel proud that after many years of helping other people I have been recognised and have been appreciated for it, and would like to thank all those that nominated me.”

Visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/kcaiawards to vote for the winner.