A FAMILY-run dog food company from Badsey is celebrating after winning a prestigious industry award - just 18 months after going into business.

Cotswold Raw, which specialises in making raw sausages and mince for dogs, scooped Best New Pet Product UK 2016 at the PetQuip awards on Sunday.

The recently established company uses fresh meat, fruit and vegetables to make their Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF).

BARF products are suitable to dogs' digestive systems and is similar to what they would have eaten in the wild.

Mark Lewis, managing director of Cotswold RAW, said: "It was fantastic news for a small rural business like ourselves after only 18 months of trading. We were up against some big national and international companies with many years in the market.

"Our Complete Sausage Meals for Dogs have proved hugely popular and we now have nearly 70 independent retailers selling our products with more on the way.

"We are offering a complete, natural product - it is what dogs are supposed to eat. Dogs love them, because dogs love to chew on things.

"A lot of the modern day illnesses which dogs are now going to their vets with is down to diet, but it is because they are being fed an inappropriate diet."