One man and his dog have been shortlisted to receive a top charity award, in recognition of tireless volunteering for The Children’s Trust.

70-year-old Geoff Smith, from Horsham, who is also known as mascot Tadworth the Hound, attends various events to raise money for the children’s brain injury charity.

Mr Smith and his wife Jenny started fundraising for The Children’s Trust after the death of their daughter Jacqui.

The 26-year-old had wanted to help children with disabilities since she was 12, and was a healthcare assistant at the charity.

Mr Smith found the Tadworth costume at the back of his shed, and first wore it at Lingfield Park, managing to raise £1,500.

He has since recruited more than 300 mascots to take part in races and events up and down the country, and has raised over £45,000 for children with brain injury.

Mr Smith, whose wife Jenny acts as his eyes and ears while he is in costume, often visits the children at the charity’s specialist centre in Surrey.

He said: “There was one occasion in particular that I remember. A young girl was struggling to relax her clenched hands. Tadworth placed his paws over her hands and slowly her hands unclenched and relaxed to hold Tadworth’s. It was one of those unforgettable moments.”

Mr Smith has been shortlisted to win Volunteer of the Year in The Charity Awards.

Voting closes on January 13.

To vote for Tadworth the Hound visit: www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/geoff