A GUIDE dog owner from Lampeter has scooped the top prize at a glitzy awards ceremony in London.

Louise Jenkins, owner of guide dog Trinity, was named Inspirational Guide Dog Owner of the Year at the Guide Dogs Annual Awards 2017, held at the Hurlingham Club.

Louise’s story impressed viewers of ITV’s This Morning, who voted her most inspirational from a shortlist of three.

Presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield appeared on stage at the awards via a large screen as they opened a golden envelope to reveal that Louise had won.

Viewers learnt how Louise was a busy mother of two teenage daughters when, 14 years ago, her world was turned upside down.

A spinal cord infection permanently damaged her sight, causing blindness in one eye and tunnel vision in the other.

Louise said: “I realised no-one else was going to change anything, it was up to me.”

Speaking after the awards ceremony, Louise said: “We had to go up on stage, and I stood there shaking, but the doctors were really friendly and chatty.

“It was an amazing night and my guide dog, Trinity, is worn out.

“I was disappointed that my husband wasn’t well enough to attend, and he really felt it too, because he wanted so much to be there.

“Our daughter, Alison, came with me instead. But we will organise a celebration meal when we get home to make it special for him.

“He’s part of the team as well.”

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