THE borough council has scooped the top award from the RSPCA for the sixth year running in recognition of its continuous dedication to animal welfare.

Test Valley Borough Council has picked up the Gold Stray Dogs Award as part of the RSPCA’s PawPrints Awards 2019 which celebrate outstanding animal welfare work from local authorities.

Animal welfare officer at Test Valley Borough Council, Rod Mason (pictured), said: “It is absolutely amazing that we have achieved the gold award for the sixth year in a row and I am incredibly grateful to the RSPCA for their support.”

Councillor, Phil Bundy, said: “It is fantastic that we have received this award, which reflects the unwavering commitment from the council and its staff to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare in the borough. “We strive to get better as each year goes by and I would like to say a massive thank you once again to the RSPCA for this award.”

The PawPrints winners’ reception is to be held on November 26 at RICS Parliament Square, London.