A DOG charity volunteer has been nominated for a national award for her work rescuing former racing dogs.

Tracey Carter, of the Forever Hounds Trust in Oxford, has been shortlisted for Volunteer of the Year in the Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards 2021.

Now in their ninth year, the awards recognise the remarkable work carried out by animal charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK, Ireland, and Channel Islands.

Oxford-based volunteer Ms Carter, has been nominated for the national award for her dedication to rescuing dogs and giving them a happier life.

The dog hero volunteers at Forever Hounds Trust which takes in dogs from the racing industry often with severe injuries gained on the racing track. The charity says that dogs often come in with broken legs.

As well as rescuing abandoned, unwanted and abused greyhounds, lurchers and other sighthounds, the charity aims to provide them with loving homes.

Ms Carter described the nomination as ‘incredible’ and said: “To even be nominated for the Petplan Charity Awards is quite an honour, but to be a finalist out of so many worthy nominations is humbling, and quite frankly just incredible.”

Read also: Wildlife Trust encourages Oxfordshire nature lovers to 'go wild' for 30 days

She added: “My reward for being a volunteer is the knowledge that I am playing a role in rescuing greyhounds and lurchers in need and helping them go on to live happy lives despite the hardships they have previously endured.

“So, to be a finalist in the Volunteer of the Year category for what I love doing, really is the icing on the cake.”

Due to the pandemic, the awards ceremony will take place virtually, like last year.

Comedian and actor Marcus Brigstocke will be hosting the proceedings on the Petplan Facebook page.

Host of the awards, Petplan, is an insurance provider which has been established for 45 years and offers lifetime cover for dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Petplan’s head of marketing, Isabella von Mesterhazy, said: “We are delighted to announce the finalists of the Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards 2021.

“The awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of animal charity staff, teams, and volunteers who’ve gone that extra mile to help rescue and rehome animals in need.

“It was fantastic to receive so many inspirational nominations and we’re looking forward to celebrating with all of our worthy finalists.

“It is also an opportunity to say thank you to all of those in the animal charity sector who’ve continued to look after the UK’s animals during Covid-19.”

The award winners will be announced on May 20, at 8.30pm.