A TEAM which takes care of the borough’s canine population has won a top RSPCA award.

St Helens Council’s dog welfare and enforcement team is celebrating after becoming one of only two Merseyside authorities, to win the prestigious RSPCA Silver award in this year’s Community Animal Welfare Footprint competition.

The team, which were accorded a bronze award in 2015, went one better this time round by making further improvements in areas of good practice, welfare needs, education and partnership working.

After receiving the award at St Helens Town Hall, a delighted dog welfare supervisor Pauline Stone said: “The silver is a result of great teamwork throughout, and from the initial call handlers, the welfare officers collecting dogs,

to the kennel staff who maintain the dogs and the administration team who process the paperwork; this one’s for you!"

St Helens Council’s cabinet member for a green, smart and sustainable borough, Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron said: "The award is a great achievement for the council in a time when resources are limited and staff work so hard to provide the

best possible service."

Pictured - Pauline Stone accepting the award from RSPCA animal welfare officer Andy Kench on behalf of the whole team. Also pictured are: chief environmental health officer, Tony Smith (end left); principal environmental health officer,

Mike Petersen (end right) and environmental protection administration team supervisor, Alison Morton (back).