SHE was the golden girl of British swimming.

During a glittering career Sharron Davies won two gold medals at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton and a silver at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow.

Since retiring from the sport in 1994 she has found a new niche as a TV presenter as well as supporting various charities.

Now the 53-year-old former athlete is turning her attention to another cause - highlighting the huge increase in Lyme disease in pets as well as people.

Sharron is visiting this year's New Forest and Hampshire County Show to raise awareness of the issue.

Lyme disease is spread by ticks - tiny bloodsucking parasites that are common in nine parts of the UK, including the New Forest.

Anyone walking through bracken or long grass is at risk of contracting the debilitating condition, which often results in nausea, fatigue and joint pain.

In dogs the disease can cause lameness, lethargy and loss of appetite. Some pets have also developed kidney disease.

Sharron, who owns a basset hound called Flash, is attending the first day of the three-day show at New Park, Brockenhurst.

She has thrown her support behind the No Bite is Right campaign and will be encouraging dog owners to speak to their vet about tick bite prevention.

Sharron said: "Prevention is better than cure and there are so many things you have to keep an eye out for, including ticks and fleas.

"Vets can offer advice on the local parasite population and recommend a parasite prevention plan to keep your pet healthy."

Earlier this year it was revealed that the the number of cases of Lyme disease in pets has soared by 560-per-cent since 2009, with warmer winters responsible for the surge in tick-borne infection.

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) says the disease is becomingly increasing common in animals as well as people.

PDSA vets saw 99 suspected or confirmed cases last year - almost seven times the figure recorded in 2009.

But the figure is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg, with thousands of other cases either being treated by other vets or going undiagnosed.

The increase reflects the rise in the number of people affected by Lyme disease in people. Cases quadrupled in the 12 years to 2013.

The New Forest Show, expected to attract at least 95,000 visitors from across the south, starts on July 26.