A Berkshire resident has been named a finalist in the Animal Charity Employee of the Year category at national animal welfare awards.

Tracey Waldron, who works at National Animal Welfare Trust’s Trindledown Farm site, is a finalist in 2023 Petplan and ADCH Animal Charity Awards.

Now in its 11th year, the awards are an annual celebration of the incredible work carried out by animal charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands, in partnership with Association of Dogs and Cat Homes (ADCH).

Commenting on her nomination, Tracey said: "I was honestly shocked at the nomination but very honoured, I have seen previous winners and never did I think I match those achievements. A large part of what we do is try and educate our visitors and adoptees about responsible pet ownership and where possible help keep people together with their pets if we can.

"For me, after spending a long time in the corporate world, going home every night knowing you have made a difference to animals and people’s lives is all I have ever wanted to do...this really is my dream job . I will never be rich, but money isn’t everything."

Tracey manages the purpose-built rehoming centre, in Great Shefford, which specialises in the care of elderly animals, or those that are near the end of life and need a quiet space.

Petplan's sales and marketing director, Bella von Mesterhazy, added: “Through our partnership with over 1,200 animal charities we see every day the difference teams and individuals make to the lives of animals.  The Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards are a time to show our appreciation and give these remarkable finalists the recognition they deserve.”

This year’s awards will be held on Tuesday, May 16, in Telford, where the finalists will enjoy a celebratory dinner and an evening of entertainment before the winners in each category are announced.