A RUNCORN dog lover has won a coveted award.

Lois Dalton, aged 20, won first place in Master Groom 2014 with her 16-month-old cocker spaniel, Baker.

She also became an international certified master groomer after passing an exam with an 87 per cent score.

Lois only started her dog grooming business, Vanity Furr, from her home in Main Street, Halton Village in August 2013 and has an 11 week waiting list.

Lois said: “I fell in love with dogs when I did work experience at a grooming parlour. I was fascinated with what was going on.

“Every day is so different. I love meeting customers and seeing them happy.”

Animal lover Lois has four King Charles spaniels Charlie, Blue, Oliver and Teddy, guinea pigs, rabbits and horses.

She studied animal care at Reaseheath College and has won countless medals and trophies at grooming championships across the country.

Lois said: “My ultimate goal is to earn a place on the groom team for England and compete internationally.”