Ten-year-old Gemma Codell is the current PDSA Pet Protector of the Year. Gemma won some super prizes, as well as a visit to her local PDSA PetAid hospital, Gemma was also invited by PDSA to attend the world famous dog show, Crufts. During her visit, Gemma was delighted to meet her favourite TV actress, Wendi Peters, better known as Coronation Street’s Cilla.

Gemma said, “When I won the title I was very excited as I had a special behind the scenes tour at my local PDSA PetAid hospital and met all the animal patients. When I found out I was also going to visit Crufts I couldn’t believe it. We had a great day and as the whole family are huge Coronation Street stars, I couldn’t believe that PDSA had arranged for me to meet Cilla, it’s a day I’ll never forget.”

Another winning PDSA Pet Protector is 11 year old Heather Dolan. Heather won the 2005 Neil Buchanan Pet Protectors art competition by designing a poster warning people of the dangers of fireworks to pets. Heather said: “I only joined the PDSA Pet Protectors last year,
so this is the first time I’ve entered the Neil Buchanan art competition. It’s really cool that I’ve won and I can’t wait to visit the Brighton PDSA PetAid hospital to receive my prize and see behind the scenes at the PetAid hospital.”

Neil Buchanan judges the competition and said: “I have been a president of the PDSA Pet Protectors Club since it began in 1993 and I always enjoy judging the art competition. This year was especially difficult as the standard of entries was so high, perhaps because the message of just how dangerous fireworks can be is so important to pets and children alike.

The PDSA believe that membership of Pet Protectors would make an ideal Christmas present for young animal lovers. If you are looking for those looking for a gift for a young animal lover this Christmas, why not sign them up as members of the PDSA’s young people’s club, PDSA Pet Protectors?

PDSA Pet Protector of the Year, Gemma Codell, with Coronation Street star, Wendi Peters.

PDSA Pet Protectors Club is open to all young animal lovers, aged five to sixteen. For a yearly membership fee of £7.00, Pet Protectors receive a badge, personalised membership card and a copy of the club magazine, Animal Antics, every two months. As Pet Protectors President and ITV Art Attack presenter, Neil Buchanan, says “This is an ideal Christmas present for any kids who love animals and want to discover the real responsibilities and joys of owning and caring for a pet. As well as learning top tips about pet care, there are also lots of fantastic competitions to enter and the chance to raise funds for PDSA for pets in need of vets.”

The magazine, Animal Antics is packed with fun features, cool competitions and a special award scheme. There’s also a website (www.pdsa.org.uk/youngpdsa) especially for young PDSA supporters. Competitions in Animal Antics include the annual Neil Buchanan Pet Protectors art competition, the Pontin’s holiday competition and the Barnabas pet care award. Prizes vary from books to toys, unique art work to a family holiday at Pontin’s.

There’s also the opportunity to become the top Pet Protector of the year by earning the most points in a special scheme.