Five young groomers have won scholarships to develop their careers courtesy of clipper manufacturer Aesculap.
Aesculap said it was difficult chossing the final five and the company needed help from Groom Team England in their decisioon making.
The winners were: Lois Dalton, Birchdale Boarding and Grooming Ltd, Cheshire; Joanna Hart, Give a Dog a Comb Mobile Grooming, Hertfordshire; Karen Lofthouse, Ulti-Mutt Dog Grooming, Wiltshire; Leandro Peres, Pets at Number 1, Buckinghamshire; and Verity Watts, Shampooches, Yorkshire.
Pictured: Clockwise from top left: Lois Dalton, Karen Lofthouse, Leandro Peres, and Joanna Hart. Verity Watts is pictured at the top of the page.
"It has been very difficult choosing the final five but with the help of Groom Team England we have made our selection," said sales manager clippers, Erich Jedersberger.
"As the standard was so high, we are also awarding clippers to Anita Dolby and Sharon Lofthouse, and are making a special award to Sian Beddoe, who at nine years old was our youngest applicant.
"We shall look forward to presenting the winners with their prizes at Crufts and following their careers as they progress. Aesculap is proud to be the instigator of a scheme which will help further the careers of some very talented groomers."
Joanne Angus, of Groom Team England added: "The standard of entry was impressive and shows the commitment of groomers to strive to do their best.
"Groom Team England looks forward to welcoming the winners to their training schools and watching how their careers develop.’ The Aesculap scholarship scheme is supported by: Animology, Christies Direct, English Groomers Group, Groomers Ltd, Mutneys, ProGroomer, Redcape and Simpsons.