A JACK Russell from Burnley is through to the national final of a competition to find the fittest dog in the UK.

Michael will compete in the national final of the competition, run by Butcher’s Pet Care, after being crowned the winner in the small dog category for the North West.

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He will now go nose-to-nose with 10 other finalists and needs Lancashire Telegraph readers to vote for him to be named the national category winner.

Michael’s owner, Dave O’Donnell, said: “I’m really excited we have made it through to the finals of this competition.

“I think Michael deserves to win as he can run forever.

“I work as a window cleaner and he comes with me on the job daily, even though he just wants to play with my customers.

“He’s also a right little poser in front of the ladies.

“We would like people from the region to show their support and vote for Michael now.”

The Fittest Dog in the UK competition is a nationwide search to find and recognise the nation’s happy and healthy hounds which are full of life and have bags of personality.

Clare Scallon, from Butcher’s Pet Care comments: “We want to celebrate fit, healthy and active dogs across the nation no matter their breed or background. It’s the second year we have run this competition. Bubb, last year’s winner, was a beautiful Hungarian Vizsla. This year, the number of entries is high and I would like to congratulate all of our finalists for getting this far.”

Voting closes on May 16 with the winners announced the following week.

Three national category winners will receive a year’s supply of Butcher’s dog food, before a panel of experts select the champion mutt, whose owner will be handed a £500 holiday voucher.

To vote visit the Butcher’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/butcherspetcare and choose your favourite.