LEIGH MP Jo Platt will competing with other politicians and their pooches next month for a chance to win the coveted title of Westminster Dog of the Year 2018.

On Thursday, September 6, the Labour MP for Leigh will join a Dogs Trust resident at Victoria Tower Gardens in London to show off one of the charity’s wonderful hounds.

The theme of this year’s event, which is organised jointly by Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, will focus on the effect fireworks can have on dogs, how owners can minimise the stress felt by their pets, and what the government can do to better regulate the use of fireworks.

As well as this, the competition encourages an open dialogue on important dog welfare issues.

Jo Platt said: "I’m delighted to be taking part in this year’s Westminster Dog of the Year competition to raise awareness of key dog welfare issues.

"As a dog lover it’s a real pleasure to have a four legged Dogs Trust representative by my side for the event and I hope that it will help he or she find their forever home.”

MPs will also be calling for their supporters to vote for their canine companion, in a bid to win the ‘paw-blic’ vote.

There will be additional judging on the day by representatives from Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, which will review the contestants on their heroic doggy deeds and winning personalities.

After all the votes have been cast, one lucky pooch will take home the ultimate parliamentary privilege of the ‘Westminster Dog of the Year 2018’ title.

For more information visit thekennelclub.org.uk/westminsterdogoftheyear and to vote for Jo Platt’s Dogs Trust sidekick visit surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WDOTY2018.