A shaggy dog story won the hearts of people in Bromyard who named a brave Jack Russell 'Pet of the Year' in a special competition.

Fourteen-year-old Dibble won the competition organised by Freshacre Veterinary Surgery.

Dibble is owned by Richard Coghlan, headteacher at St Richard's School, in Bredenbury, and is one of four dogs who live at the school.

Concerned staff took Dibble to the surgery in April, after the normally active dog became quiet and depressed and kept collapsing.

A long investigation revealed Dibble had a very rare parasite living in his heart.

He was successfully treated and, although he has to take medication for his permanently damaged heart, he has recovered well.

Dicky Sewell, matron at St Richard's School, said: "Dibble is amazing, he really was on death's door when we took him to the vets. Now he's got a new lease of life.

"The vets were really wonderful with him."

Ms Sewell said she was very pleased that Dibble had won the competition, as there were many other extraordinary pets involved.

"He's marvellous with the children and is always up to mischief," she said.

"We're obviously thrilled that he's won."

Jo Brown, of Freshacre surgery, said: "We've been running a Pet of the Month competition this year and decided to name a Pet of the Year, but we couldn't decide which animal should win."

The surgery circulated a shortlist of animals who had battled severe illness or injury during the year and asked the people of Bromyard to vote for their favourite.

"This was a very unusual case and the whole team were involved, so we're delighted that Dibble won," said Miss Brown.

"It's so lovely to see owners who care so much for their pet, like Dibble's obviously do."

Dibble will be presented with a range of goodies at a ceremony at the surgery tomorrow (Saturday).

The runner-up in the competition was Pybus the puppy, who will receive a year's free worming.