Two dog groomers have seen their business crowned the “newcomer employer of the year”.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Paw-fect winning their awardPaw-fect winning their award (Image: Stacy Ismael)

Carla Garey, 19, and Kirsty Leeder, 20, both of Dagenham, are apprentices at the Paw-fect salon.

The duo are part of the Writtle College apprenticeship team, which sees them learn their trade while working for a company.

Paw-fect owner Stacy Isamel said: “It is a fantastic achievement for me and the girls and is testament to the hard work that goes on at Paw-fect.

“It is my belief that an apprenticeship programme is the perfect solution for staffing a micro-business and I am extremely proud that I have offered two young people the opportunity to train for their chosen career.”

The Barkingside company received the accolade at the regional final of the National Apprenticeship Awards.

It will now go on to next month’s national final, with the chance to be crowned the best in its category at Birmingham’s LG Arena.

Vicky Hitcham, who manages the Writtle College apprentice team, added: “Paw-fect is a fantastic example of how the apprenticeship program can benefit companies of all sizes and support them to grow their business.

“It has been rewarding supporting Stacy as she expanded the business by training dedicated and enthusiastic apprentices like Kirsty and Carla.”