A BRADFORD dog lover says a visit to the House of Lords to collect an animal welfare award has inspired her to try and expand her charity across the UK.

Sarah Fretwell, 32, of Oakenshaw, was in London to collect the 'Companion Animals Award' from the International Fund for Animal Welfare to honour her work with Hearthounds, a project supporting homeless people and their pets.

The group provides weekly food packs, tents, sleeping bags, warm clothes and essential vet care to clients as well as working with other agencies to arrange housing and rehabilitation.

Operating initially in Bradford and Leeds, the project recently expanded to Edinburgh and Glasgow, and Miss Fretwell now wants to try and establish Hearthounds in as many UK cities as possible.

"Going to the House of Lords to collect the award was amazing, and I met lots of great people," she said.

"I had some really positive feedback from other animal charities across the country, who said they would support us with volunteers and facilities.

"It was really lovely to hear, and has made me even more determined to expand the work we do."

To support the project, which costs more than £2,800 a month to run, visit the group's Facebook page.