AN overweight dog has been named runner-up in a slimming contest after fighting the flab.

Barney, a four-year-old Jack Russell cross, used to catch a ride in his owners mobility scooter, but he is now enjoyingamore active lifestyle.

He originally weighed 3st 4lb, making him about 75 per cent heavier than he should be and morbidly obese. But thanks to help from vets, he has lost more than 7lb.

Barney, from Wickford, went up against ten other huge hounds, fat cats, and bulging bunnies in the battle to be crowned PDSA’s Pet Fit Club champion.

Owner Penny Hill, 44, said: “Barney was always a greedy chap and would wolf down anything that was left lying around accidentally – he used to love my sandwich crusts. But I noticed he was struggling to get up the stairs and on to the furniture, so I knew I had to do something.

“He used to get treats, like chicken and ham, but it was just too much food for him. All extras were banned and we enrolled him into PDSA Pet Fit Club.”

Barney missed out on the title to bulldog Daisy, who lost an impressive 27 per cent of her bodyweight during the six-month weight loss challenge.

However, he is enjoying his newfound fame after starring in ITV1’s Fat Pets – Slimmer of the Year, hosted by actress Angela Griffin and Westlife star Kian Egan.

Vet nurse Rachel Wraight, from the PDSA pet hospital, in High Road, Vange, said: “Penny and Barney have made great progress. It’s wonderful to see Barney so full of life again.

“He still has a little way to go to reach his ideal weight, but he’s made a fantastic start.”

Mrs Hill added: “I’ve noticed a real difference in Barney. He runs around nowand is much happier. He no longer hitches a ride home on my scooter.”

For more information on the competition, visit www.petfitclub.org.uk