Charlie Elphicke and Star dash to be top dog at Westminster Dog of the Year

On Thursday 25th October, Charlie Elphicke Conservative MP for Dover and Deal and his 4 year old Norfolk Terrier, Star will battle it out alongside MPs from all over the UK in a bid to win the coveted title of 'Westminster Dog of the Year 2012'.

Retrievers will be raring to race, Greyhounds will be going for gold and Labradors will be limbering up to take the lead as dogs of all shapes and sizes battle it out at Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster in a bid to be crowned top dog.

Organised jointly by Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, the competition offers the unique chance for the Dover and Deal MP to show off his loyal four-legged friend Star, who has supported him on the political trail. As well as this, the competition also encourages an open dialogue on important dog welfare issues.

Proud owner Charlie explains: "Star and I are extremely excited to be representing Dover and going head to head with my fellow MPs at this year's Westminster Dog of the Year. I have every faith that Star will give the other dogs a run for their money as Star is full of energy and has a lovely nature which I'm hoping will wow the judges and make her a hot contender for the title."

With post-Olympic fever still lingering in the air, a competitive "Doggy Dash" is being incorporated into this year's event which will see the MP's precious pooches parading their speed and agility across the finish line in a nail-biting finale. Additional judging on the day will review the contestants on their heroic doggy deeds, winning personalities and acts of dogged devotion, which will then determine which political pooch is most deserving of the auspicious 'Westminster Dog of the Year 2012' title.

Clarissa Baldwin OBE, CEO of Dogs Trust, said: "Dogs are renowned for bringing people together and this competition is no exception. 'Westminster Dog of the Year' is a light-hearted way to encourage discussion on serious dog welfare issues needing urgent attention, as well as demonstrating the importance of dogs in our lives."

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "We are excited to welcome all parliamentarians' dogs, regardless of their 'pawlitical' standing and we aim to find the dog that is the most worthy of the title - whether they help to blaze the political trail in their owners' constituencies, or simply offer their MP-masters the odd lick of support."

The 'Westminster Dog of the Year 2012' competition starts at 10.00am on Thursday 25th October at Victoria Tower Gardens. The judging panel that will determine which pooch wins the hotly contested crown includes Clarissa Baldwin OBE, CEO of Dogs Trust, Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, and last year's winner, MP for Tiverton & Honiton Neil Parish.