A DOG may be man’s best friend but the street wardens of the Forest of Dean have become the best friends of dogs.

The caring three-person team within the district have won the prestigous RSPCA Gold award for their work in animal welfare for a sixth year in a row.

And they are hoping that they retain another big award when the 2019 winners are announced tomorrow (Thursday).

Over a hundred dogs have been picked up wandering around the streets of the region so far this year.

And due to the innovation of microchipping them, many of the animals are returned safely to their owners. Some, however, are not.

The Street Wardens service is not just about dog patrolling as there are more elements to their work than just that.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK’S FORESTER