A SPA animal lover was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours after nursing more than 800 dogs and puppies back to health over the past 15 years.

Sheila Tremmellen, who lives near Droitwich, has dedicated her life to providing a home for canines.

The 65-year-year-old set up her own rescue service, called Protection of Unwanted Puppies, in 1990 and she has cared for them "seven days a week" ever since.

Sheila nurses each animal back to health while going to great lengths to make sure the dog or puppy is placed in a happy home when it is time to leave her care.

The service, which she runs from her own home, exists entirely on support from generous donors. So far 817 dogs and puppies have received care.

In 2002 Sheila received a gong from the BBC Animal Awards' show, presented by Rolf Harris, when viewers voted her as the winner for caring for dogs.

Sheila used to work as a veterinary nurse receptionist, but quit to pursue her dream.

"I have rescued dogs and puppies for fifty years - I have dedicated my life to it.

"It's a way of life. I set up the rescue service because I wanted to take it further. I get puppies from all kinds of places. Lots of them are cruelty cases and have been harmed. I nurse them back to health by worming them, de-fleaing them and vaccinating them, while making sure they have no infections. Some of them can be with me for a month while others can be with me for several months - it all depends on what condition they are in. I even teach children how to look after animals if their parents wish. It gives me such pleasure. It's wonderful to get the MBE."