A dog lover has been honoured for helping to house more than 5,000 animals.

Johanna Beumer MBE, lead volunteer at the Retired Greyhound Trust’s (RGT) Waltham Abbey branch at Whittingham Kennels in Galley Road was won Volunteer of the Year Welfare Award at the Ceva Welfare Awards in Birmingham on April 2.

Ms Beumer, who has been re-homing greyhounds for 49 years, said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award and it means so much to me.

“I never expected to be recognised for my efforts in this way.

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped me over the years, and particularly in more recent years my completely dedicated staff and wonderful volunteers, as I could not have done it without them.

Ms Beumer was made an MBE in 2007 for her dedication to greyhound welfare.

Whittingham Kennels has 36 greyhounds which staff are looking to re-home.

For more information contact the kennels on 0208 444 9649 or click here