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Single mum Heidi Anderton of Absolutely Animals, Lee, London won the prestigious Groomer of the Year 2004 competition in Luton yesterday, scooping £500 top prize.

Already City & Guilds 7750 qualified, Heidi won both the miniature poodle and handstrip (not gundogs) sections, which took her through to the finals. Second prize of £300 went to Zoe Duffy of Shear Pawfection, Keighley, West Yorkshire and Sophie Rigby of Sophie’s Groom Room, Frodsham, Cheshire won third prize of £150, from among 30 competitors at the British Dog Grooming Championships.“This is really great. I’ve been preparing my dogs all year for this competition. I’m so pleased and my kids are so proud”, said Heidi. I’ve been branching out at my grooming salon, Absolutely Animals, into training groomers and with just two more units needed to gain my Pet Care Trust Advanced Grooming qualification, this national title will give my business a real lift.”

Janet Nunn, Chief Executive of Pet Care Trust, expressed her delight at the Groomer of the Year event overall and Heidi’s success in particular. “Groomer of the Year was very well supported by sponsors, by groomers and their families and by our regional representatives. Heidi has been very active within our membership and has pushed consistently for high industry standards to be recognised. She is a great role model for anyone considering grooming as a career path.”
The Newcomer of the Year competition was won by Michelle Henderson, of Canine Cuts, Colinton, Edinburgh. She took £250 prize money ahead of Mikala Chick of Top Groom, Downend, Bristol who won £150. Third prize of £100 went to Fiona Brook of Fakenham, Norfolk.

The BDGA championships were also used to present the best City & Guilds Student Award to Sue Maria Kemp of Posh Paws Dog Grooming Salon, Maulden, Bedfordshire. Sue got the highest mark in the theory section among students who’d also passed their practical exam.