A FORMER winner of Fenland Business Awards will now go up against other inspirational young people in the region in the Young Person of the Year (YOPEY) awards.

Samantha Laws took home the business award backed by Cambs Times in 2010 after setting up her own dog-grooming business from her home in March.

She has now been nominated for the prestigious young persons’ award for the time outside her work she dedicates to raising money and awareness for dog charities.

The YOPEY awards share �2,000 among winners and their charities of choice and recognises inspiration and commitment in young people.

Samantha, 25, established Doggy Style Grooming two years ago after working at boarding kennels and Wood Green animal shelter.

On top of her work, she has raised money for Poplar Farm Kennels, Many Tears and Staffordshire Bull Terrior Rescue, as well as organising a collection to ensure each dog at Wood Green received a present on Christmas Day.

Samantha has also donated money to charities researching cancer in dogs.

Chris Clark, chairman of Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue, nominated Samantha for the award.

“Sam is a lovely young lady who is very devoted to animal welfare,” he said,

“She has made a a great difference to or rescue. As well as raising money she has also got many of her customers to donate food and toys to our rescue which foes a long a way when you have very little.”

This year’s Cambridgeshire YOPEY is supported by various groups including Cambridgeshire police. To nominate someone for the award visit www.yopey.org or write to YOPEY, PO Box 236, Newmarket, CB8 1DP.