A FORMER Army nursing officer who was awarded a medal by the Queen for bravery - and her friend who worked on the front line as an explosives search dog handler - are raising funds for a mental health charity.

Janet Pilgrim and Rob Hayden are organising a fun dog show and craft fair, named ‘Woof Stock’, at Terrington Village Hall on Sunday from 10am and 4pm in aid of Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Mind

Janet, who lives in Terrington, was awarded the Royal Red Cross for leading her team in Basra, Iraq, in 2008.

She said: "Rob and me were both helped through a time of crisis by the charity when we had nowhere else to turn. They put us on the right path at a time when we needed support. The dog show will be a fantastic opportunity to raise much-needed funds as well as awareness."

There will be 12 classes at the dog show with rosettes awarded up to sixth place with prizes for all the winners. The show will celebrate all types of dogs with classes including Best Rescue, Best Bitch, Best Dog as well as best biscuit catcher, best trick and waggiest tail. People can enter their dogs on the day at a cost of £1 per class.

Rob added: “The show will celebrate all types of dogs from the young, the old and the rescued.

“My dog Harlequin has seen me at my best and worst. The honesty and compassion a dog can give is unexplainable. We really hope people will come along and support our event.”

As well as the canine capers, there will be a craft fair inside the village hall with a wide range of local stallholders. There will also be a range of refreshments, home baking and a bar.