Launch of 2019 Animal Star Awards goes down a treat at the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel

MAN’S best friend was celebrated at an awards launch evening with some famous guests in attendance.

Lady Chelsea, a celebrated chihuahua who appeared on television program the Only Way is Essex, was one of many furry friends who put in an appearance at the 2019 Animal Star Awards launch event at the Marriott Hotel on March 20.

Mary Burgess with Lady Chelsea the chihuahua and her owner, Cesar Rapanut. Picture: Johnny Blackplaceholder image
Mary Burgess with Lady Chelsea the chihuahua and her owner, Cesar Rapanut. Picture: Johnny Black

The lord mayor of Portsmouth, Lee Mason, was also making an appearance to kick off the awards which offers 14 categories celebrating amazing animals from the area.

Emsworth organiser Mary Burgess, who has been down to her ‘last £4’ to make the dog awards dream a reality after starting it in 2016, said: ‘I love my dogs, they are like my family. I have invested all my money in this over the last few years and it has been really hard going down to my last few pounds.

Organiser Mary Burgessplaceholder image
Organiser Mary Burgess

‘But to see all the support we now have makes it all worthwhile. There are some amazing charities who have helped us and we are very grateful.’

Nearly 450 entries have already been submitted for the awards.

To cast your vote, go to tinyurl.com/yxn8lzn4

Related topics:
News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice