AN animal charity's search for the Dog of the Year is under way in the region.

The RSPCA has organised about 100 heats throughout England and Wales this summer, including several in the North-East and Yorkshire.

It will hold the final at the charity's Millbrook Animal Centre, in Chobham, Surrey, on September 7.

In past years, the competition has been aimed at cross-breed dogs, but this year it is open only to rescued dogs, both pedigree and cross-breed.

Now in its 12th year, competitors are judged on general condition, overall appearance and character.

Alan Wolinski, the RSPCA's regional manager, said: "The Dog of the Year heats are such fun days.

"This year, hundreds of rescued dogs throughout Yorkshire and the North-East will be enjoying the limelight, which is nothing less than they deserve after the suffering some have endured."

Heats have taken place at the Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington, County Durham, Knaresborough House, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, and will be held at West Farm, Ponteland, Newcastle, from 3pm on June 29.