The award ceremony is being held in London later in February

Toni Cherrett produces non-slip dog coats and matching accessories for pet owners around the world.

She has been shortlisted for the British Female Inventors and Innovators Awards, which honours female inventors from across Britain.

This is the sixth year for the awards, which are now perceived as the foremost accolade for women inventors.

Problem solving

Ms Cherrett says the award has already opened up many opportunities for her business.

She said: "I'm absolutely delighted with it. Industry is inclined to forget that women have an active part to play in the production of goods and new ideas."

The awards are organised by the Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network (GWIIN). Spokeswoman Bola Olabisi says women are the world's natural innovators.

"Many tend to solve the problems they find, rather than find problems to solve," she said.