WHEN Walt Disney selected Lloyd the Dalmatian for a role in the sequel to 101 Dalmatians his owner was thrilled.

The movie studio had launched a nationwide hunt for pups to make up the numbers for 102 Dalmatians, which was filmed in Britain.

There was just one snag - Lloyd did not have enough spots.

Dalmatian pups are born plain white, and Disney had to either use older dogs or resort to make-up.

So Lloyd won his starring role and the make-up artists made him spotty enough to keep the director happy.

After his brush with fame, Lloyd has retired to the hamlet of Felixkirk on the edge of the North York Moors.

Many of the drinkers at The Carpenters Arms pub do not know that the friendly dog which joins them for the occasional stroke is an ex-movie star.

Now he has grown from puppy to dog, all that is behind him and he is enjoying life as one of three Dalmatians which live with the Bumbys who run the inn.

Publican Linda Bumby explained how Lloyd's previous owner had bought him when the movie finished shooting.

"There's a reference to a vet's check up on the Disney film set in his veterinary records," said Linda. "They were obviously very well looked after.

"He can be a bit full of himself and often sneaks into the bar to be with the customers. He still has a film star smile - he bares his teeth in what some people think is a snarl but is actually his way of saying he's pleased to see you."