A Woolston based dog walking and training company has won a coveted award at the annual Animal Star Awards.

Married couple Paige and Charlotte Burton founded Buddiepet in January 2014.

The company provides dog walking, training, and pet care services.

Charlotte, 36, was formerly a veterinary nurse and as a long-time dog lover wanted to do something that would allow her to build happier relationships with the canine pups.

For a decade she’s been joined by her wife Paige, 28, who together share an 11-year-old French Bulldog, Harry, and 11-month-old Cockapoo, Brewer.

Buddiepet was anonymously nominated for the ‘Dog Walker of the Year Award’ – up against 15 other finalists – at the Animal Star Awards which encompassed the South East region, held at the Village Hotel in Portsmouth.

“We couldn’t believe it,” said Paige.

“We received a text out of the blue from the awards organiser and we wondered if it might have been a scam!”

READ MORE: Take That fan travels 19 hours from Italy for St Mary's gig

The awards ceremony took place last weekend – falling around the same time as their wedding anniversary.

“We thought we’d make a nice weekend of it given it fell a couple of days from our wedding anniversary and we really didn’t expect to win.

“I think we were in shock when our name was called out.”

The pair received a trophy as well as a certificate – which is waiting to be framed – with Paige also yet to choose a pride of place for the star-shaped trophy.

“Our business is constantly on the move in the van or in the car and it’s probably not the best place to keep a trophy, so I’m sure we’ll find somewhere more appropriate for it.

“It’s really kind that we were nominated in the first place, and we got quite emotional.”

She added: “The business has been our life for 10 years and we’re really proud of it, so to be recognised for that is very special.”