OUR DOGS was delighted to hear that Peter James, Chairman of the Kennel Club from 1996 to 2002, had been awarded an MBE in last week’s Queen’s Birthday Honour’s list.

The recognition of all his work to raise the profile of the Kennel Club in the last years of the 1990s was a fitting tribute to man who was, by his own admission, a reluctant chairman acceding to the position following the death of Mr John MacDougall.

Ronnie Irving, Kennel Club Chairman commented, ‘We were very pleased to hear the news. This award is not only recognition of Peter James and his family’s long and active involvement in dogs and dog breeding but it is also a sign that Peter, and the club for which he worked so long, are gaining respect from Government, politicians and the public at large.

The Kennel Club has recently made Peter James one of its vice-presidents and we are glad that this further accolade has been awarded to him.’