A DOTING dog owner and her dashing Dachshund have both treated to a make-over thanks to an unusual raffle prize. Helga Ramsay and her miniature longhaired Dachshund Jasper went along to the Orchard Dog Grooming Parlour on Wednesday for a beauty appointmen

A DOTING dog owner and her dashing Dachshund have both treated to a make-over thanks to an unusual raffle prize.

Helga Ramsay and her miniature longhaired Dachshund Jasper went along to the Orchard Dog Grooming Parlour on Wednesday for a beauty appointment with a difference.

Jasper is a regular customer at the parlour based at the College of West Anglia in Wisbech and Mrs Ramsay is a great supporter of any events held there. At the parlour's Christmas party she won first prize in the raffle - a makeover for a dog and its owner.

As Jasper was pampered and groomed by college students, Mrs Ramsay had her hair cut and styled by hairdresser Lynn Ellis. Mrs Ellis who has been a qualified hairdresser for 22 years, is changing careers and is training to become a dog groomer.

Mrs Ramsay, 70, of Mansell Road, Wisbech, said: "I was very surprised when I found out the prize was for Jasper AND myself and this is the first time it has been done at the college."

As eight-year-old Jasper enjoyed all the attention, Mrs Ramsay said: "He is a very clever little dog and quite a character."

Jasper is good friends with Mrs Ramsay's other dog, Jack, who is blind. She said: "Jasper looks after him and acts as his eyes." Jasper is also friends with two hamsters, Petal and Ronald, allowing them to run along his tummy and sit on his head.

Course director Jayne Marchant said: "It is the very first time we have done this here. Mrs Ramsay has been coming here for a long time with her dogs and supports everything we do. We thought this was a great idea for a prize."

The parlour grooms both dogs and cats with students on the popular grooming course kept permanently busy. Prices start at £18 depending on the size and breed of the dog.