The Founder of Kids Around Dogs has received a Small Business Sunday (SBS) award from former TV Dragon, Theo Paphitis.

The retail entrepreneur presented the award to Debby Lucken at an event in Birmingham.

It was in recognition of the excellent work done by Poole-based Kids Around Dogs (KAD).

That includes helping families and schools understand the needs of dogs and how to interact with them in a safe and positive manner.

Last year Debby, pictured left, was one of six weekly winners to gain a retweet by Theo to his near half a million Twitter followers.

KAD is an association of professionals who specialise in promoting safe and happy relationships between children and dogs.

KAD approved professionals train to work with dogs in schools and help children to overcome their fear of dogs.

They use a successful protocol designed by Debby who is a renowned dog behaviorist and trainer.

She said: “I’m delighted to receive this award from Theo Paphitis.

“It’s a recognition of the hard work and dedication of all the professionals who are part of KAD and who work tirelessly to help children and dogs to live happily and safely together.”

Theo is a passionate supporter of small businesses in the UK and has been running the SBS awards on Twitter since 2010.

Each week, he chooses six small businesses that he thinks are worthy of recognition and promotes them to his followers on social media.

He said: “Debby and KAD are doing great work in promoting safe and happy relationships between children and dogs.

“I’m proud to support small businesses like KAD, which are making a positive impact in their communities.”

• kidsarounddogs.co.uk