A RINGWOOD woman has won a national award for her charity work for looking after sick and abandoned dogs.

Lyn Williams, founder of Happy Dogs Rescue, was handed a Local Hero Award at the Churchill Awards 2015 in London.

It was attended by famous faces and fellow award winners including Dame Judi Dench, Len Goodman and Michael Pattemore, the husband of the late Lynda Bellingham OBE.

The awards aim to recognise the achievements of individuals aged 65 and over and celebrate the ‘significant role that they play in British society.’

Spencer McCarthy, chairman and managing director for Churchill Retirement Living, said: “Despite the vast majority of over-65-year-olds remaining active and valuable contributors to society, as a group the older generation feel their views are being overlooked.

“They are viewed as simply old, not as not as ex-war heroes, ex-Olympic athletes, previous captains of industry or lifelong teachers and nurses.

“However, increasingly, the over-65s play an important role in all realms of society – in politics, art, scientific research, for example, older people are still at the forefront of excellence in their field.

“As a group the older generation has an awful lot to still offer to society and the Churchill Awards are designed to honour and recognise this very valuable and real contribution.”

At Happy Dogs Rescue, all pooches are taken in and cared for by Lyn until they find a new home, regardless of whether they are abandoned, sick or a stray.