GILL Rhoden never realised the impact she would make after opening one of her fields to dog lovers.

She secured the field with four foot high netting simply to let her own dogs run free.

Then she hit upon the idea of hiring out the field to fellow dog lovers last October and has never looked back.

Gill said: "It just took off! I never knew just how much it meant to people. It was something that was much needed in the community".

Now Gill's Meadow View Mutts Secure Dog Field is absolutely thriving. Situated just off Manor Way in Lye Close Lane, Halesowen, the dog field has proved so popular, that Gill even has to turn people away such is the demand.

Dudley News:

Gill added: "I'm absolutely chuffed how the field has turned out and I hate it when I have to turn people away. I really enjoy seeing the pleasure it brings people  and their dogs".

Meadow View Mutts regular Rachel Bishop described the venue as 'a godsend' adding: " I have a very nervous dog who is never allowed off the lead in public. Any scary noise would cause her to bolt. Having the dog field is invaluable and it brings me great pleasure seeing her run free.

"The field is immaculately maintained and provides a service that pays for itself."

Meadow View Mutts is just one of many nominations for the Dudley Borough Community Awards, where the winners will be revealed at an exclusive black tie event on Thursday, November 23 at the Copthorne Hotel in Dudley.

The closing date for nominations is noon on September 24, for more information or to submit your nomination visit the community awards section on our website.

If any businesses would like to sponsor the awards they can email debra.orr@localiq.co.uk