Forest of Dean District Council street wardens have won the gold 'RSPCA PawPrints: Stray Dog Services Award' for the 11th year running.

They have also attained a bronze standard award for Contingency Planning.

Cllr Jackie Dale, cabinet member for thriving communities, said: "We have a brilliant team of street wardens working here at the council and this award highlights the work that they do. They work relentlessly, protecting the welfare of animals, whilst also keeping the district tidy and safe.

"This is their eleventh gold-standard award, an incredible achievement and a testament of their hard work and dedication. I would like to thank the team for all that they do and congratulate them once again on winning this award.

"I'd also like to give special thanks to Forest of Dean Dog Rescue who work closely with them to deliver the rehoming service here in the Forest of Dean."

The Forest of Dean District Council street warden team is made up of four officers, who work across the whole district. The awards recognise their hard work in delivering animal welfare services and finding and rehoming stray dogs in the Forest of Dean.

As well as their work with stray dogs, the team investigates animal welfare concerns, deals with anti-social behaviour, environmental crime and removes abandoned vehicles.

The team also engages proactively with the community, visiting and delivering presentations to local schools and conducting visits to vulnerable groups, including elderly people living in remote areas.

They work closely with partners at Forest of Dean Dog Rescue, who take on and rehome stray dogs who are sadly not collected.

Damion Collins, community safety lead at Forest of Dean District Council, said: "Winning this award again clearly demonstrates the Forest of Dean District Council's commitment to the welfare of animals across the district.

"I must thank Forest of Dean Dog Rescue for their continued support in rehoming unclaimed stray dogs and would ask any resident concerned about animal welfare to get in touch and a member of the team can assist.".