A Sleaford school drama teacher who got into the world of competitive dog shows has won an award with a pets charity.

Karen Clifton is Head of Drama & Performing Arts at St George’s Academy and three years ago decided to start exhibiting her Pekingese dogs at show level having owned and loved the breed for over 40 years.

“My mum bought me my first Peke at 10 years old and the only hint of sadness is that I lost her to dementia two years ago so she never got to see this achievement,” said Karen.

Her passion for dog showing has taken her over 40 000 miles and to almost 200 shows. As a result, Karen was nominated for the ‘Pawscars’ charity category of Best Special Beginner of the Year and was one of four finalists selected to attend a huge gala event at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on Wednesday, March 4, where she came away with the trophy.

placeholder image — Karen Clifton at the Pawscars awards.

Pawscars is a premier event in the UK pedigree dog world calendar and raises money for good causes.

The winner of Karen’s category is decided by public vote.

Karen said: “It was amazing from start to finish. A red carpet welcome, beautiful venue and the most amazing amount of money raised for charity.

"They called out all the nominees in my category and then they showed videos of other people talking about us. I was honoured to be supported by Nick Gourley who is a very well known and highly respected judge, exhibitor and breeder.

"When my name was announced and I practically ran up, goodness knows how as I had a long dress and heels on. I had the opportunity to make an acceptance speech and hopefully I communicated how this award means the absolute world to me at this stage in my showing journey.”

She said: “The whole event was such a positive celebration of everything that is special about the dog show world. I am beyond happy at receiving the honour and am very overwhelmed.”

Karen has also qualified to exhibit her three dogs in the ‘Toy’ breeds day at Crufts on Saturday. Wicket is four and is entered into Limit Dog class, Queenie is three and is entered into Post Graduate Bitch class and Oni will be two and is entered into Post Graduate Dog section.

Then on Sunday she will be back to run the Pekingese stand for Discover Dogs. She said: “This is a lovely opportunity for people to meet the breed and I will be taking my troupe of Pekes along with me.”