A Welwyn Garden City teenager and his Springer Spaniel are up for the Kennel Club Hero Dog Award at this year's Crufts Show after raising money for Ukrainian rescue dogs.

Ashley Owens, 13, and his dog Bertie have up nominated for the award after they spent more than 650 nights camping out in a tent as part of their "sleep out to help out" fundraising campaign.

The duo is trying to raise £30,000 to help a volunteer-run charity, Paws2Rescue, which operates on the Ukrainian border helping find refuge for pets and owners, and providing essential supplies to those fleeing the conflict with Russia.

The thought of helping these dogs kept Ashley going when his challenge got tough, with the teenager admitting: "There are nights that are really difficult, and I don’t want to go out.

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"Rain is pouring down, winds are blowing, or I just don’t feel that well. Then I think of the dogs.

"It doesn’t matter what I am going through, I’m determined to raise £30,000. I know it’s a lot, but I want the dogs to be safe, sheltered and fed."

And Bertie has been there every step of the way. Ashley's mum Emma said: "Bertie truly has helped Ashley over the past year and a half.

"He sleeps in the tent with Ashley, and is so keen to get out there at night, he is waiting at the back door with his tail wagging.

"Rarely will anyone hear of such a duo, overcoming anything, and pushing on with their amazing challenge until they reach their goal – together."

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The winner of the Kennel Club Hero Dog Award will be decided by public vote, after broadcaster and Kennel Club ambassador Kay Burley announced the nominees.

"These five special dogs are not only heroes to their owners but also to the rest of us," she said. 

"They make a huge difference every day by providing love, companionship and dedication, and protecting the nation and saving lives.

"No one can deny the remarkable impact dogs have, from the joy they bring each day, to being by our side during the hardest times and showing extraordinary loyalty and bravery."