THREE pupils at Stanley Junior School in Blackpool have taken the lead in a recent competition to find the most responsible dog owners in the area.

Eleven-year-olds Iollan Banks, Ashleigh Rankin and Tanya Heeler scooped the top award of a plaque which they can keep for a year, after submitting an "outstanding " educational assignment on the correct way to look after dogs to organisers from Blackpool Council's environmental services department.

Nineteen local schools competed in the canine-friendly campaign to discover who has the best skills in looking after man's best friend.

They were given a presentation by dog wardens on the do's and don'ts of caring for pets and then pupils were asked to submit an assignment to show what they had learnt.

In addition to receiving an overall pat on the back, the three pupils were also presented with certificates for their efforts in producing the top three pieces of work.

Stanley head teacher Peter Higgins said: "It's important for children to learn about the responsibility that comes with looking after a dog.

"The school really enjoyed taking part in this campaign and we were delighted when our efforts were judged to be outstanding."