A PET pooch from Rossendale is in line to be named top dog in a national competition.

Proud owner Johanne Hirst, from Loveclough, has entered Toby into an alternative Crufts competition for mongrels.

And the hound has managed to win a place in the finals of the Pal Scruffts competition thanks to his scruffy but lovable looks.

He is now set to go nose to nose with other regional winners at the Earls Court final in London later this month.

The lively crossbreed collie scooped first place in the Most Handsome Crossbreed in the six years and over category at the regional finals, held at MyPetStop Centre, Denton, Greater Manchester.

Toby is now in with a chance of becoming the PAL Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year 2004.

The grand final is being held on Sunday, November 14, at The Discover Dogs Show, Earls Court, where actor Ricky Tomlinson will help judge the overall winner.

Johanne, 30, is hoping her eight-year-old pooch will tackle the final like a dog going for a bone.

Johanne, who lives with her partner John, 38, said: "I wasn't expecting him to win because there were so many other dogs competing so whatever happens from here is all a bit of fun.

"We will be giving him a shower before the big event to make sure he's all fluffy and looking his best."

Ricky Tomlinson, along with some help from the Kennel Club, will have the tough job of deciding which loveable rogue will trot away with the PAL Scruffts title.

The competition gives non-pedigree dogs the chance to shine in categories including: Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog, six months to five years; Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog, six years and over; Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch, six months to five years old; Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch; six years and over; Child's Best Friend and Crossbreed The Judge Would Most Like to Take Home.