Regional sister titles are bidding to find the UK’s number one lockdown dog hero in a national competition.

A total of 26 Reach plc print and digital titles are involved in the contest, along with the Daily Mirror.

Readers of each title have been asked to send in photos and 100 words on how their dogs have helped them cope with lockdown.

A shortlist of finalists will be announced on Friday, with the winner being revealed a week later.

Hattie the cocker spaniel, who has won the most votes from Manchester Evening News readers

Liverpool Echo senior editor Maria Breslin is overseeing the promotion.

She said: “During this period of lockdown, we know our dogs have served an even greater purpose and absolutely deserve to be celebrated.”

The contest is being run with Butcher’s Food for Dogs.