A LIFE-saving Northallerton dog is keeping its paws crossed for a special award.

Golden retriever Beano is one step closer to a £1,000 prize and a canine accolade.

Beano could collar a national Golden Bonio Award. He was shortlisted from more than 300 other hopefuls and joins 30 other dogs for a place in the final.

Beano was nominated by the mother of his owner, Geoffrey Welch. Barbara Welch owes her life to Beano after he saved her and her home from a fire and possible gas blast.

After working a night-shift as a children's ward nurse at the Friarage Hospital, Mrs Welch was in a deep sleep with earplugs at the family home in Winton Road. She was woken by Beano who was whining outside her door.

Mrs Welch said: "This was unusual as he is not allowed upstairs. But he was persistent and would not leave until I got out of bed."

Beano led her downstairs, where thick black smoke was billowing from the kitchen. The gas boiler was on fire.

If Beano is shortlisted, he and Mrs Welch will go to London for a glittering VIP event.