HUNDREDS of entries for Pet Idol 2005 have arrived at the Worcester News office, proving that Worcestershire is a county of animal lovers.

So many pets have been entered - 376 in total - that the date for the special Worcester News supplement containing all the pictures of the entrants - so people can vote for their favourite pet - has had to be postponed.

Organiser Sarah Bevan was thrilled with the success of the competition.

"We are absolutely delighted with the response," she said. "I hope Pet Idol will become an annual event."

"Due to this superb response, the supplement will now be published on Wednesday, November 16, so get ready to vote for your favourite pet."

Entry to the competition is now closed, but readers will soon be able to vote using coupons printed in the Worcester News from the date of the supplement until Saturday, November 19.

The top 10 pets will appear in the paper and a panel of judges will select a winner and two runners up from each category: dogs, cats and small furry animals.

There will be a special presentation ceremony at Worcester's Wilsons Pet Centre, Shrub Hill Retail Park, when the lucky winners of prizes worth £3,000 will be announced.