A PART time student made it through to the finals of a coveted competition.

Part-time learner Scott Bailey, from Cheshire College – South & West, and his trusted companion, Milo the guide dog, made the finals of the Best Friends category in the 2022 Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, which takes place at Crufts each year.

The annual Kennel Club Hero Dog Award celebrates the unique relationship people have with their dogs, and the important role they play throughout people's lives and the support they give people in the face of adversity.

The ‘Best Friends’ category celebrates a pet dog who has seen its owner through the hardest times, as well as the happiest.

At the age of 27, Scott started to lose his sight after being diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy and was registered blind just three years later.

A dairy farmer by trade, Scott was unable to continue working in the industry.  

Things began to look up for Scott when he was partnered with guide dog Milo in November 2020 and joined Cheshire College’s Crewe Campus to gain new skills that would help him achieve his dream of becoming a Counsellor.

He’s committed to raising awareness and helping others who are experiencing sight loss due to diabetes and hopes to study further at Keele University to achieve his dream. 

Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO of Cheshire College, Helen Nellist, said: “The team here at Cheshire College are extremely proud of Scott’s accomplishments so far and the uplifting message he and Milo both spread across the College Campus and within the community. The pair’s journey together demonstrates the power of what can be achieved with the right attitude, support, drive and ambition.”