Lulu, the Newfoundland and former Westminster Dog of the Year owned by North Thanet MP Roger Gale and his wife Suzy, has died.

Mr Gale said: “She went to sleep peacefully on Monday at the family home in Preston, near Wingham, following a short illness.

“Suzy and I have had many wonderful canine friends, but Lulu was truly the 'first among equals’. During her all-too-short life she brought pleasure, joy and comfort -particularly through her work as a PAT (Pets as Therapy) dog - to a huge number of people.

“She has also raised hundreds of pounds for charity - an endeavour for which she last year received a special 'lifetime achievement’ award at the Westminster Dog of the Year event, which she also won in 2003

“Most of all she has been the dearest possible of friends to Suzy and myself and to our family.

“Her work and her memory will be kept alive by Lollie, our eighteen-month-old Newfie, who graduated as a PAT dog earlier in the year, but Lulu was a one-off and she will never be replaced.”