NINE months ago, no dog's dinner would have been big enough to satisfy this loveable labrador.

With a diet of Rich Tea biscuits, custard creams and double portions of dog food, five-year-old Pepper weighed in at a staggering 9st 4lbs.

But thanks to help from the animal kingdom's answer to Weight Watchers, he has shed almost four stone.

Owner Maurice Bailey, 74, said: "He was unbelievably heavy, but now he is full of energy and back to being a really lovely dog. The transformation is incredible."

When at his heaviest, Pepper was limping badly from the strain. Mr Bailey, who lives at Ware, near Ash, decided it was time for action and took him to Bourne Veterinary Practice's special obesity clinic in Bekesbourne for help.

The clinic devised a healthy eating plan and over the next nine months Pepper dropped almost four stone – the same weight as a full grown dalmation.

Practice owner Rob McMeeking said: "Pepper was definitely the biggest patient we've had, and his success is really great news."

* See the Kentish Gazette (Thursday, August 23) for the full story.