SOUTHEND West’s MP and his loving pooch are vying for your votes in a parliamentary dog competition.

Sir David Amess MP and his beloved three-year-old French Bulldog Vivienne are running in the Westminster Dog of the Year Show.

The competition, run by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, promotes responsible dog ownership and gives parliamentarians the opportunity to highlight the work that they have undertaken in Parliament on dog related matters.

“Every time I walk into the room Vivienne throws herself at me, lies on their back with her legs in the air to be tickled. But before that she always brings a toy so she is of a generous, giving nature,” said Davis Amess.

The MP who has represented his constituency since 1997, says dog theft is top of his priority list in parliament, stating: “Pet theft is a huge problem and more needs to be done to make sure vets check microchips and encourage owners to have their dogs chipped.”

Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, said: "The competition is so much more than a canine beauty pageant. It's strictly apolitical; judges will be looking for the dogs' good deeds and devotion to their owner rather than policies or opinions. It is a fun filled day out with an important message at its core – helping to promote dog welfare issues and encourage responsible ownership.”

To enter you vote visit: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/wdoty.