A NATIONWIDE search has begun to find the UK’s top hero dogs for the Kennel Club’s Friends for Life competition.

The public are being asked to nominate a dog that has changed the life of its owner, or another person. The winner will be announced at Crufts at the NEC in Birmingham on Sunday, March 11.

The public are being asked to nominate dogs in the following categories:

• Extraordinary life of a working dog – for those who have shown extraordinary qualities working in the army, police force, RAF, airport, search and rescue etc.

• Hero assistance dogs – celebrating all assistance dogs, from guide dogs and hearing dogs to medical detection dogs and autism assistance dogs.

• Man’s best friend – celebrating a pet dog who has seen its owner through the hardest times.

• Child’s hero – recognising dogs that support and impact children to help them achieve the best start in their life.

• Breed rescue dog of the year – for a dog who has improved its owner’s life after being rehomed through a Kennel Club Breed Rescue organisation or service.

Nominate via crufts.org.uk/friendsforlife before January 21.