A TROON dog charity has been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s Scottish charity Awards.

Give a Dog a Bone helps to tackle loneliness in the elderly by providing them with a pet companion.

The unique charity has been named as a finalist in the Pioneering Project and Celebrating Communities categories.

And Give a Dog a Bone has been recognised for the life changing work that they have done over their first five years.

Launched by Louise Russell in November 2013, the charity has helped to rehome over 300 cats and dogs to pensioners looking for companionship.

The charity also sees 200 older people across its two key locations each week.

A recent project launched over the last year has helped expand the charities services.

Companionship in the Community has given pensioners a safe space to make friends and mix with dogs at their Ayr Street complex in Troon.

Louise is hoping that being nominated for two prestigious awards will help raise awareness of Give a Dog a Bone, allowing her to further widen the services She said: “At just 5 years old, not only has Give a Dog a Bone supported hundreds of animals and older adults to have a happier life together, we are making a difference to the wider over 60s communities with our Companionship in the Community project.

“To be shortlisted in not one, but two categories at the Scottish Charity Award, is testament to the life changing work Give a Dog a Bone brings to communities.

"This, on top of our previous awards, shows continued growth and success in our work.

“We are growing fast and have no plans to slow down.

"My hope is that by raising awareness of Give a Dog a Bone and the work that we do, we can raise the funds necessary to further expand our services into new communities.”