TWO South Somerset business owners have picked up a special achievement award at a national ceremony.

Amy and Naomi Clarke picked up the prize at the Barking Mad Dog Care 2019 awards.

It was the 16th national conference the Barking Mad business has had, and was held at Low Wood Bay Resort in the Lake District.

Franchise owners Amy and Naomi are sisters-in-law who first met working at Ferne Animal Sanctuary.

Now Naomi lives in Ilminster, and Amy lives near Crewkerne.

They have been running Barking Mad Taunton together since 2015

The pair said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive the special achievement award at the conference this year.

“We have a fantastic network of hosts that work with us to ensure every dog who comes to us has a fun filled holiday while their owners are away.

“We can’t wait to see what the next year brings.”

The event was led by managing director, Lee Dancy, was a thank you for all the hard work from the dog care providers across the UK and marked 19 years of continued success.

Mrs Dancy said: “We were delighted to reward Amy and Naomi’s proactive and professional approach in running their business.

“It is a testament to their dedication and skill, that Barking Mad Taunton continues to show growth year on year consistently.

“Amy and Naomi’s love of dogs and people has always shone through as they have grown their business.

“Their success is even more impressive as they both have young children and face the everyday challenges of family life.

“They have also built a thriving community of dog sitting host families, improving and enriching the lives of local people with dog companionship.”

Barking Mad was set up in 2000 as a dog sitting care service.

Animals are cared for in a comfortable home, rather than placed into kennels.

For more, visit barkingmad.uk.com.