TENDRING is the only place in the entire country to strike gold in the RSPCA’s animal welfare awards.

Tenfring Council picked up a hat-trick of awards of gongs – including the dog warden’s service’s first ever gold.

The authority also scooped gold for its stray dog service and bronze for animal welfare.

Council representatives have been invited to the House of Lords in December for a special reception.

Spokesman Darren Weaver said: “We take animal welfare extremely seriously at the council.

“Having an RSPCA award shows this to the public and it also ensures we keep our standards to the highest level.

The RSPCA’s Lenny Rolles praised the council’s dog warden service.

“This is a fantastic achievement,” he said.

“Tendring is the only local authority in the country to get a gold in this category.”