THERE’S just four weeks to go before nominations close for the 2018 New Forest Dog Friendly Awards.

Launched earlier this year, the new awards scheme is designed to recognise the most four-legged friendly places in the New Forest.

There are seven categories: most dog friendly shop, holiday cottage, café, hotel, pub, bed & breakfast and restaurant. Any business can be nominated - as long as they are within the New Forest area including Lymington and New Milton.

Nominations are free and you can nominate as many places as you like, visit newforestdogfriendly.co.uk.

“I usually holiday with my dog Taki and really appreciate finding places to stay, eat and drink where Taki is welcomed with open arms. It makes such a difference to my stay,” said Peter Lashmar of awards sponsor, New Forest Tax Accountants.

“The New Forest Dog Friendly Awards will recognise great places for dogs and their owners - and since the nominations are made by the general public, will be a fantastic guide for both locals and those visiting the area.”

The annual Pet Population Report revealed that 45 per cent of the population have a pet, with dogs the most popular choice – 26 per cent of people in the UK own a dog.

More than 90 per cent of pet owners say that owning a pet makes them feel happy, while 88 per cent feel that pet ownership improves their quality of life.

And an increasing number of people want to take their trusted companion with them when they go out and about and away on their holidays too.

n The closing date for nominations is midnight on October 31 2018. Please read all the terms and conditions.