The official launch was attended by local dignitary the Mayor of Kidwelly, Cllr Jeanette Gilasbey and included a trophy presentation by Burns founder John Burns to Support Dogs, the chosen charity for 2015/2016.

This inspirational national charity provides, trains and supports specialist assistance dogs to help improve independence and quality of life for people with various medical conditions. Rita Howson, Chief Executive of Support Dogs, said “To be chosen as Burns Pet Nutrition’s charity of the year is a huge honour. The welfare and care of our dogs in training is absolutely vital to our charity and this includes ensuring they have access to the best quality food and nutrition.

“Our charity is reliant on voluntary donations, so the support to us offered by Burns Pet Nutrition will ensure we can continue to increase the independence and quality of life for those affected by autism, epilepsy and disability.”

Burns Pet Nutrition will be providing their award-winning pet food for all support dogs in training, as well as helping the existing support dogs, alongside financial assistance, joint fundraising and promotional activity.

John Burns, Founder and Managing Director of Kidwelly-based Burns Pet Nutrition, said: “We provide support to a large number of organisations and charities. Our Charity of the Year initiative focuses that support in order to make a significant impact on the work of a selected charity whose aims are dear to us. Support Dogs do a remarkable job in aiding disadvantaged people and our assistance will extend their training programme.”

Applications for the 2016/2017 partnership are now being accepted from UK-based charities registered with the Charity Commission. The charity must focus on the welfare of pets, support or train assistance or companion pets or educate the public about pets.

For more information and to apply, visit www.burnspet.co.uk/charityoftheyear