Whitehaven and District Canine Association have been nominated for a national award.

The dog club have been shortlisted in the top three of Pawscars Open Show of the Year. Being nominated for a national award means a lot to Paul Davies, organiser of the Whitehaven dog club, he said: "To be nominated amongst your peers in the first place is a great accolade."

He said: "It's big stuff."

Dog owners register their pet with The Kennel Club so that they can be exhibited in local and national shows. Mr Davies cites the Curwen Training Club as having a key role in their success: "That's where we learnt our trade," he said.

Voting is open to determine the best dog show in the UK and Mr Davies is just happy to be in the top 3: "Just to get nominated is something." However, Paul said: "I want to bring the trophy back to West Cumbria." Winners will be announced one day prior to Crufts, in a glitzy ceremony at the Hilton Metropole. Paul said: "It's big enough for my wife to need a new ball gown." Ticket proceeds are donated to charity, Mr Davies said: "It's donated over £200,000 in the last four years." Mr Davies is looking for the support of West Cumbria in the build-up to the Spring ceremony, he said: "If everybody votes it would be wonderful." To cast a vote on the open show of the year, visit: https://www.thepawscars.org.uk/awards.