A DIETING dog from Burley-in-Wharfedale has shed so many pounds she has won the regional final of a national slimming competition.

Cocker spaniel Muffin, of Wrexham Road, used to weigh a portly 4stone but has since slimmed down to a svelte 2stone, earning her a place at the Hill's Pet Slimmer of the Year regional heat.

The nine-year-old pooch was put on a diet and fitness regime by owner Philippa Duggan-Carter, pictured left, after she began ballooning in weight.

"Muffin was my uncle Terry's dog and he died last September. After that my auntie was feeding Muffin cakes and sweets so she became enormous. It was heartbreaking to see her."

When her auntie became ill in April of this year, Mrs Duggan-Carter, 29, took in Muffin and began a rigorous regime to help the pooch lose weight.

"When I first got her she couldn't even walk properly and her coat was out of condition.

"I began taking her out for about an hour and a half each day and only allowed her one meal a day with no snacks."

Mrs Duggan-Carter's efforts soon paid off as Muffin became more like her old self. "She's so fit now it's unbelievable. She probably wouldn't have survived much longer as she was."

As Muffin continued to improve, Mrs Duggan-Carter spotted the competition for weight watching pets and decided to enter.

The pair travelled to Wetherby on Monday and beat off stiff competition from nine other slimline pets to win a place in the national final - hosted by fitness guru Rosemary Conley.

Muffin also bagged three months supply of pet food for herself and £250 worth of holiday vouchers for her owner. And if she wins the national title next month, Mrs Duggan-Carter will get to jet off on a luxury holiday.

"The only problem is I will have to put my dog in a kennel," she said.

"I'm not too bothered about winning the holiday. I'm just really pleased that Muffin's got a zest for life again."

Muffin's fitness regime has also helped her owner lose weight and improved a back problem which forced Mrs Duggan-Carter to give up her job as a paramedic.

"The walking has been brilliant for me too. I'm really happy for me and my dog," she said.