A WOMAN in her late 80s has been recognised for her outstanding commitment and contribution to greyhound welfare.

Jenny Bunting from Bolney was nominated for an award by a fellow volunteer at Brighton Retired Greyhound Trust.

Judges at the National Ceva Animal Welfare Awards were so impressed by her voluntary work with greyhounds they created a Lifetime Achievement Award specially to honour her.

Jenny continues to volunteer, working to find homes for greyhounds as pets once their racing careers are over, acting as a trustee for the charity.

Jenny said: “I was very surprised to have been given this award.

“It rather came out of the blue and I feel I share it with the whole team here at Brighton Retired Greyhound Trust.

“Everyone involved in the charity regularly goes above and beyond, both for our greyhounds needing homes, and for those who support us, to whom we are extremely grateful.”

Brighton Retired Greyhound Trust chair Susan Clark said the charity is thrilled Jean has been recognised.

Susan said: “We are all immensely proud of the pioneering role Jenny has played in helping to bring about a cultural change in attitudes regarding greyhounds as pets over the past 40 years plus, and for her ongoing support and involvement with our charity, which of course she helped found.

“We are extremely lucky to have been able to develop a fantastic team with decades of specialist greyhound knowledge between them, each of whom is hugely dedicated and passionate about our work.”

This year sees the Trust celebrate its 40th anniversary, and the return of the charity’s popular all breed fun dog show being held at Hove Greyhound Stadium on Nevill Road on Bank Holiday Monday May 7.