A DOG warden has put Rossendale on the map by winning a national award for the work he does to promote responsible pet ownership.

Dave East, who has been the borough's dog warden for 15 years, was selected for the award by the board of the National Pet Week charity for his work to involve local people in schemes to keep their animals in check.

He has thanked the people of Rossendale for supporting him in his work, and says attitudes to dog ownership in the area have improved "dramatically" during his time in the job.

Dave, who works for Animal Wardens Ltd on behalf of Rossendale Council, runs dog training classes to teach people how to communicate with their pets and gives regular talks to schoolchildren on what dog-ownership involves.

He said: "The people of Rossendale are very understanding and things have improved a lot round here in the time I've been doing the job.

"There are fewer dogs on the streets and the dog dirt problem is reducing, though it's still there.

"We've had dog shows and pet competitions but it was our work with schools, going in to talk to children about responsible dog ownership, that has been the deciding factor behind us winning first prize.

"I think the award is a team effort and we wouldn't have got it without the co-operation of the people of Rossendale."

Environmental health manager for pollution and housing Bill Potter said: "This is an excellent result which was achieved by a lot of very well planned and hard work by David as well as very positive contributions from the dog owners of Rossendale.

"The whole theme of targeting education programmes to include future dog owners is extremely important in encouraging responsible behaviour and improving living standards and our environment as a whole."

Anyone interested in joining a dog ownership class can call Dave on 01706 244552 or attend a registration session, for humans only, at Bacup leisure centre on Thursday at 7pm.

DAVE'S ADVICE FOR RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP

Before buying a dog, sit down with the whole family and talk about how you will look after it

Research the breed of dog you want and be careful to choose one that's suitable

If you get a rescue dog, be prepared to have lots of patience with it

Attend training classes to learn how to communicate with your dog

Always pick up dog dirt and dispose of it sensibly

Remember you are the pack leader, not the dog