PENDLE’S dog wardens have scooped the Innovator in Animal Welfare Award at the annual RSPCA Community Animal Welfare Footprints awards.

The accolade is in recognition of the work the team does to care for more than 200 stray dogs a year and in running educational sessions in schools about responsible dog ownership.

Cllr David Whipp, who sits on Pendle Council, said: “Pendle was the only organisation in England to win this award, thanks to creating a new PetSafe scheme, which we launched last year.

“We started PetSafe after problems arose when people who lived alone were rushed into hospital leaving no-one to care for their animals.

“It can be a real problem for some of our older residents.”

Dog Warden Laura Robinson, who devised the PetSafe scheme, said: “We’ve been working with police, ambulance, fire services and social services to put Petsafe into action.”

Pendle was also one of three councils in England to get a Special Recognition Award at the ceremony.

Michael Ward, chief executive of the RSPCA said: “I would like to congratulate Pendle Council on their exceptionally well-deserved awards.

“It’s heartening that despite shrinking budgets there are councils like Pendle which are going above and beyond to help animals - often using teamwork and innovative ideas.”