The winner of the first monthly contest to find the county's top pets can now be revealed – but we're also looking for eight new entrants to compete for May's crown.

During April, Blake the cocker spaniel, Olive the cockapoo, Ziggy the Labrador, Poppy the chicken, Trixie the greyhound, Noah the house cat, Ebb the springer spaniel and Alfie the tabby cat went head-to-head in a series of online votes on Kent Pets.

The eight pets were paired up and then people were asked to vote for their favourite, with photos and videos shared by the owners of each contestant.

They were then whittled down in weekly online votes from eight, to four and then a final two.

And it was Ziggy Stardust the Labrador who took the competition by storm from the very first round, going on to become the first overall winner.

After capturing two-thirds of the vote against Olive the cockapoo, it was always likely to be tough for Poppy the cuddly chicken in round two, who lost to the lovable Lab by the same ratio.

It was only in the last round against Noah the classy cat that Ziggy's vote share faltered – but he still came out on top.

Not only is Ziggy Pet of the Month for April – and also the holder of the Kent's Cutest Pet title – but last week he became a qualified sniffer dog who can't wait to put his skills to good use.

With those two achievements under his belt, Ziggy is planning to celebrate with his family and take some time to relax over the warmer months before looking into becoming a security dog.

Ziggy's family said: "We're so pleased that Ziggy is officially the cutest pet in Kent!

"Thanks to everyone who voted. Ziggy will be celebrating with lots of treats and will receive extra belly rubs as a 'well done' for this amazing feat."

We are now looking for a new set of eight contestants for voters to decide who will be May's Pet of the Month.

Whether it's your adorable kitten, sleek snake or clever bird – we want to see who is up for the challenge which is open to any pet in Kent.

Send pictures or video of your pet, along with some fun facts about them, to sbird@thekmgroup.co.uk

Details such as species, breed, age and whereabouts you're from in Kent is all that's required.

To read more about Kent’s furry, flying and finned friends, click here.

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