TAKEN into care at the age of eight, Richie Womersley became a victim of abuse - but while his siblings and peers turned to drugs and crime, the youngster was determined to make something of his life.

After working at kennels across Yorkshire, at the age of 23, Mr Womersley had a light bulb moment.

He wanted to provide a service which was a kinder alternative to kennels and a better way of looking after much-loved family pets.

In 2006 Mr Womersley used his £500 life savings to found The Dog Walker, providing insured and registered care for customers’ pets from the stress-free environment of their own home.

As well as offering dog walks and a pet taxi service for attendance at weddings and family events, the Dog Walker offers cat care and home boarding.

The first business of its type within ‘the golden triangle’ of York, Harrogate and Leeds, The Dog Walker is now Yorkshire's largest pet care and well-being specialist, operating nine franchises and employing 15 people, with turnover increasing by almost 70 per cent in the last three years.

The business boasts a client base of 920 people and more than a 1,000 dogs.

The Dog Walker, based at Sherburn-in-Elmet, is now entering the Small Business of the Year award, with Mr Womersley vying for the Business Personality of the Year title.

Mr Womersley said: "The demand for pet care has increased significantly owing to longer working hours. The current total UK pet population of 71 million animals means the pet market is worth more than £2.7 billion annually.

"With his business model, The Dog Walker has the potential to create hundreds of jobs, in turn creating thousands of jobs as franchisees expand."

After welcoming on board three new franchisees last year, Mr Womersley plans to roll out the business model across the North, including a further 18 franchisees over the next four years and one in Norfolk.