We're thrilled that 18 PAT Teams are finalists in this year's BBC Make a Difference Awards and have been invited to ceremonies of celebration by their local BBC radio station.

We've got our fingers and paws crossed that their names will be read out when the Animal Award winners are announced in September. Good luck to everyone!

The Awards are a chance to say 'thank you' and show recognition and appreciation for people – and animals – who make life better for others. It's great that so many of our amazing PAT Pets were nominated by those who see the impact they make. And well done to the PAT teams who were shortlisted, too. It's an awesome achievement.

The finalists (so far) are:

BBC Radio Bristol
Kathy Fieldhouse & Freddie

BBC Radio Berkshire
Christina Gilbertson & Milly

BBC Radio Cornwall
Tony Nicolson & Beven

BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire
Valerie Matthews-Lane & Rosie

BBC Radio Derby
Paul Hallam & Orla
Jane Hough & Stitch

BBC Radio Gloucestershire
Pete Gutteridge & Digger
Steve Lalic & Rafa
Gaby Lloyd & Ruby

BBC Radio Lancashire
Teresa & Bertie

BBC Radio London
Ian Hasell & Katashi

BBC Radio Manchester
Linda Mellor & Archie

BBC Radio Oxford
Mike Pritchard & Monty

BBC Radio Sheffield
Emma Phipps & Nugget

BBC Radio Somerset
Helen Chester & Chester

BBC Radio Sussex/BBC Radio Surrey
Debs Taylor & Elsa
Alan Timms & Maggi

Charlie, along with his owner Peter Willis, is also a posthumou finalist in the BBC Radio Suffolk Make a Difference Awards.