A DOG lover has made it to the finals of 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’s Trainer of the Year Award, which will be announced at a ceremony at Crufts in March.

Ms Penistone has been a dog lover since she was a child and 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 rescue centres, while gaining a degree in canine behaviour and training.

“To become a finalist is so exciting,” she said.

“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.”

To vote in the awards visit thekennelclub.org.uk/kcaiaward before January 30.