A Canning Town animal charity’s founder has been recognised with a national award.

Celia Hammond, who runs the Celia Hammond Animal Trust clinic in Barking Road, was presented with a lifetime achievement award at the Animal Hero Awards.

“I was very shocked and amazed,” she said. “It was a bit of a surprise.”

Celia’s award was presented by actresses Anita Dobson and Michelle Collins, which she said was “really special.”

The awards, sponsored by the Daily Mirror and the RSPCA, recognise bravery, dedication and resilience by those in the animal world.

Celia’s clinic provides neutering and operations for owners who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it.

Staff also look after stray and abandoned cats until a new home can be found.

“It’s a bit of a thankless task,” she said.

“Some people appreciate what we do and others give us abuse, but you can’t please everyone.”