FORMER police officer Claire Hyde (pictured), 42, of Blackwood, has just been made an "Age Positive Champion" for her contribution to overcoming age discrimination.

Age Positive was launched last year by the Department of Work and Pensions to raise awareness of age diversity in the workplace prior to legislation on the subject in 2006.

Ms Hyde is the boss of Blackwood-based Classic Canine Cuts, the first dog grooming school in Wales.

She used to teach equal opportunities during her police service and is well versed in best-practice when it comes to age issues.

She said: "I've found that the older people tend to be more patient with the dogs and deal better with sensitive issues such as dog bereavement."

Many of Ms Hyde's trainees have been made redundant and come to her seeking alternative careers.

"The courses I run help re-motivate individuals whose morale has taken a knock due to their redundancy.

"We build up their confidence and get them back out in a working environment.

"My manageress, Beverley Thomas, is nearing 50 and she came to me aged 47 having never previously pursued a career.

"She is an inspiration for those we train and is a kind of role model." Ms Hyde recently trained a television executive made redundant last January.

She has now gone on to open her own dog grooming parlour. "Our workforce is very age diverse and this brings together skills and experience as well as enthusiasm.

"I encourage my staff to take courses and there is no hierarchy. We all work together and that boosts the business."

Ms Hyde is still studying and is currently pursuing an extra set of qualifications as a dog grooming assessor.

She said: "I will always support the objectives of campaigns such as Age Positive because I feel they promote fair play.

"Opportunities should be based on ability, aptitude and skills. "My own business has definitely profited from this kind of mindset."

Age Positive is being led by the minister for pensions Malcolm Wicks. It has been backed by a number of large employers such as Marks & Spencer, Asda and B&Q.

Apart from the Europe-wide legislation due in 2006, the campaign is necessary to address the UK's rapidly changing demographics.

By 2010, nearly 40 per cent of the working population will be over 45. Key messages of the campaign will include the positive impact older workers will have on the UK workforce.

If you know any suitable candidates who could become Age Positive champions give Melissa Rajan a call in Cardiff on 02920 258533.